Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the nerves have become damaged. It can occur anywhere from a single nerve to a group of nerves. It is a common condition found in people with diabetes, especially those who have had it for a significant number of years. This is largely due to chronically high blood sugar levels, which negatively impact the nerves' ability to send signals properly around the body.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms associated with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are:
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Hypersensitivity to touch
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Tingling sensation
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Radiating pain
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Numbing of feet or hands
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Muscle weakness
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Loss of balance
Hypersensitivity is among the most common signs of peripheral neuropathy. This is when your body's nerves become so sensitive to touch that it causes pain even with the slightest of physical contacts. Even small actions, such as poking or putting on a shirt could cause shooting pain throughout the body when peripheral neuropathy is present.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms are not the same for everyone. Some may sense a shooting pain, while others may go numb without warning and cause a loss of sensation along the feet or hands. Most times, they tend to develop slowly and end up being mistaken for other diabetic conditions, which is why most doctors will usually not diagnose it as peripheral neuropathy right away.
Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a treatable condition, both in the symptoms stage as well as upon diagnosis.
Because the condition is largely caused by chronically high blood sugar levels, medication and diet plans are often prescribed to help lower them so that the effects of neuropathy are lessened. Exercise may also be recommended as a way to stave off fats, cholesterol, and other elements that can have a negative impact on high blood sugar levels.
It's important to treat peripheral neuropathy once the signs begin show and especially when they have been diagnosed. Not only can the condition gradually worsen, it can also debilitate many of necessary functions, such as walking and grabbing. By losing sensation in parts of the body, cuts and sores may go unnoticed, causing more problems later on. Shooting pain, cramping, and stabbing can hinder your body from doing daily activities, which could lead to emotional repercussions that further lead to bad health.
Visiting a doctor is always the first step in determining whether you are experiencing peripheral neuropathy. Around 60% of diabetics are at risk of experiencing the condition as they grow older. Speaking with your doctor about ways to prevent it or slow it down can help you avoid having peripheral neuropathy affect your diabetes and your health.