Diabetic Seniors

Neuropathy is a term that approximately 60% to 70% of patients with diabetes have unfortunately become familiar with. Diabetic neuropathy, an increasingly prevalent complication of diabetes, is characterized by extensive damage to the nervous system in a diabetic. The disease can be isolated to a specific area in the body or, alternatively, has the potential to cause widespread damage.

A combination of numerous health and genetic factors influence the onset of neuropathy in a diabetic. Primarily, metabolic factors including blood sugar and body fat levels determine the probability of developing the disease. Other factors that increase the risks of developing diabetic neuropathy include genetic predispositions to neurovascular diseases and the degree of oxygen and nutrients present in blood flow. Moreover, the risk of developing the disease exponentially increases as the amount of time a person has been diagnosed with diabetes surpasses 25 years.

There are several types of diabetic neuropathies that each affects a particular area of the body. The following are the different classifications of the disease and the respective areas of the body they can potentially affect[1]:

Peripheral Neuropathy

• Toes
• Feet
• Legs
• Hands
• Arms

Autonomic Neuropathy

• Heart and Blood Vessels
• Digestive System
• Urinary Tract
• Sex Organs
• Sweat Glands
• Eyes
• Lungs

Proximal Neuropathy

• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Legs

Focal Neuropathy

• Eyes
• Facial Muscles
• Ears
• Pelvis and Lower Back
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Legs
• Feet

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on the severity of nerve damage and the types of nerves that are affected. Nerve damage occurs gradually over a period of time so many diabetics that are suffering from diabetic neuropathy may not even be aware. Typically, the initial symptoms include numbness or tingling in the limbs. However, these initial symptoms can progress into more severe and damaging ones. These include[2]:

• Muscular atrophy
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or fainting
• Urination problems
• Erectile dysfunction

Although some of the symptoms do not seem especially severe or life threatening, further complications may arise that have far more severe health implications. The loss of the sensation of pain in limbs, a common side effect of neuropathy, may result in amputation or even death. The loss of pain in feet for example may cause a diabetic to be unaware of minor injuries that might develop. Subsequently, if left untreated, those injuries can develop into infections or ulcers that may become life threatening.

Because diabetic neuropathy is primarily caused by metabolic factors such as high blood glucose levels, effectively maintaining appropriate levels of these health indicators is a must. Systematic and regular blood glucose testing with diabetic testing supplies will reduce the chances of developing high blood sugar levels and its associated complications – including neuropathy. Furthermore, be sure to implement proper diet and exercise along with your blood sugar testing regiment in order to offset the chances of diabetic neuropathy and other complications.

Please keep in mind that this article on Diabetic Neuropathy is intended solely as an informational document; consult a licensed physician before making any decisions regarding the management of individual cases of diabetes.

Source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)

[1] “Neuropathy Affects Nerves Throughout the Body”
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/

[2] “What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathies?”
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/

Tags: diabetes and neuropathy, diabetes complications, diabetic neuropathy, Neuropathy