Diabetes is commonly thought of as a treatable condition; however, unstable blood glucose levels can spawn other life-altering conditions. Diabetic neuropathy is a common diabetes complication, affecting 60% to 70% of diabetics. You may now be thinking, "What is diabetic neuropathy?" For those unfamiliar with the term, diabetic neuropathy is characterized by extensive damage to the nervous system caused by poorly controlled glucose levels.

The four types of diabetic neuropathy are peripheral, autonomic, focal, and proximal. For diabetics, it's important to know the diabetic neuropathy symptoms for every type. Familiarizing yourself with the various symptoms will make it easier for you to choose the diabetic neuropathy treatment that best suits your condition.

Peripheral Neuropathy

The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nervous system controls the sensory and motor functions linked to the brain and spinal cord. Damage to this system can cause pain, tingling, burning or numbness in your feet, legs, hands, and arms. Since sensation loss can cause injuries and sores to go unnoticed, it is important to check your feet and legs regularly. Untreated wounds may result in amputation or even death. Applying lotion to dry feet and wearing properly fitted shoes and socks can also help prevent painful symptoms.

Since seniors have poorer circulation, it's especially important for them to keep an eye out for splinters, ingrown toenails, and calluses because these problems can lead to more serious complications. In seniors, peripheral neuropathy generally causes poor balance or foot deformity. See your physician immediately if your spot any redness, blisters, or scratches.

If you're suffering from peripheral neuropathy, your doctor may prescribe medications. Although these medications may lessen your discomfort, the only way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy can affect internal organs like the heart, small and large intestines, and the bladder. Nerves in the involuntary nervous system are responsible for digestion, breathing, urination, sexual response, and vision. Damage to the involuntary nervous system may cause constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, low blood pressure or increased heart rate. In addition to damaging internal organ functions, autonomic neuropathy can also mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it difficult for you to recognize that your blood sugar is dangerously low. To treat autonomic neuropathy, your physician may recommend testing your blood sugar often. Eating smaller meals and taking medication can also reduce your risk for autonomic neuropathy.

Focal Neuropathy

Unlike other neuropathies, focal neuropathy affects only one nerve, causing severe pain or weakness in your chest, thighs, feet or eyes. It can also cause temporary paralysis on one side of your face. Focal neuropathy doesn't develop over time, but occurs without warning. Although it can happen suddenly, focal neuropathy improves by itself over a few weeks or months, and it does not cause permanent damage.

Proximal Neuropathy

Seniors and Type 2 diabetics are more likely to be diagnosed with proximal neuropathy. This type of diabetic neuropathy causes pain in the thighs, hips or buttocks and leads to weakness in the legs. For people with proximal neuropathy, even the simplest movement, like getting out of a chair, can seem like a daunting task. Since proximal neuropathy can affect your mobility, diabetic neuropathy treatment is usually needed. However, your recovery period depends of the type of nerve damage.

Understanding diabetic neuropathy symptoms and treatments are important; however, monitoring your blood sugar levels can decrease the possibility of developing nerve damage. You can reduce your risk for diabetic neuropathy by maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Daily blood glucose testing and medication also promote a healthy lifestyle. By controlling your blood sugar levels, you'll be less likely to suffer from serious complications caused by diabetes-including neuropathy.