Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by nerve damage due to high blood sugar level. The blood vessels become weak and their ability to transmit signals become compromised. This condition often targets the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy’s risk factors include high levels of blood sugar, kidney-related illnesses, being overweight, and smoking.

There are four types: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by tingling, pain, numbness, and burning, specially in the evening, of the feet and legs (in rare cases, the symptoms affect the abdomen, back, and arms). Autonomic neuropathy often involves patients’ digestive system, blood vessels, urinary system, and sex organs. Concerning the digestive system, the symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, getting full quickly, vomiting, nausea, and heartburn. Regarding the blood vessels, affected individuals may have palpitations, dizziness or fainting when suddenly standing, low blood pressure, vomiting, nausea, and feeling full with small meals. Regarding the sex organs, there are generally difficulties in achieving orgasms. Concerning the urinary system, the symptoms include bloating, incontinence, and going to the bathroom at night. Proximal neuropathy is characterized by pain in the buttocks, hips, or legs as well as weakness in the legs. As for focal neuropathy, the symptoms include eye pain, Bell’s palsy (hyperlink), chest or stomach ache, and severe pain in the lower back, legs, or a certain body part.