Diabetic Seniors

Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes — and one with serious implications to your health if not managed properly.

With diabetic neuropathy, the nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain are damaged by blood glucose being too high for long periods of time. Healthcare professionals familiar with diabetic neuropathy management note that 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. The risk of neuropathy rises with age and the duration of diabetes — people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years have the highest rates of neuropathy.

There Is Something You Can Do

At the heart of diabetic neuropathy management is tight control of your blood sugar and your overall health. Diabetic neuropathies are more common in people who have problems controlling their blood glucose, as well as those with high levels of blood fat and blood pressure, and those who are overweight.

It’s also important to learn all you can about this serious complication. In general, there are four types of diabetic neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy – This typically involves tingling, numbness, burning and pain in the feet and legs. Because of the loss of sensation, injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized and can become infected or slow to heal.

Diabetic neuropathy management: In most cases, early symptoms will decrease when blood glucose is under control. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help control the discomfort. To help prevent further complications, examine your feet and legs daily, apply lotion if your feet are dry, and always wear properly fitting shoes and socks.

Autonomic Neuropathy — Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves of the involuntary nervous system — those that control the internal organs. This can cause problems with digestion, breathing, urination, sexual response and vision. For example, if nerves in your digestive system are damaged, you may have chronic constipation or experience bloating and nausea because your stomach empties too slowly. Autonomic neuropathy can also mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, making it hard to know when you are experiencing this dangerous condition.

Diabetic neuropathy management: To counter hypoglycemia unawareness, follow a regular schedule of blood sugar testing throughout the day.

Proximal Neuropathy — Proximal neuropathy causes pain in the thighs, hips or buttocks and leads to weakness in the legs (people with proximal neuropathy may not be able to get out of a chair without help). This type of neuropathy is more common in older diabetics and those with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy management: Treatment for weakness or pain is usually needed. The length of the recovery period varies, depending on the type of nerve damage.

Focal Neuropathy — This type of nerve pain and damage seems to suddenly “focus” in one part of the body with sudden, severe pain or weakness. It can show up as sudden pain in your feet, or sharp pain in one eye, double vision, or trouble focusing one eye. Or you may suddenly be unable to move the muscles on one side of your face. Any nerve in the body can be affected.

Diabetic neuropathy management: Focal neuropathy is painful and unpredictable and occurs most often in older adults with diabetes. However, it tends to improve by itself over weeks or months and does not cause long-term damage.

The Bottom Line on Diabetic Neuropathy Management

Keeping your blood sugar at your target level is the first step in diabetic neuropathy management. And be open and frank with your doctor. At the first sign of unusual nerve pain, numbness or sensation — no matter where it may occur in your body — let your physician know.

Tags: diabetes complications, Diabetic Neuropathy Management, Neuropathy