Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition that harms the nerves. The damage to the nerves is painful. The nerve damage is most often in the legs and feet. Neuropathy is a common and serious complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetics.
Patients suffering from diabetics should consult a doctor if they notice tingling pain, weakness, or numbness in the hands or feet. Different types of diabetic neuropathy affect different areas of the body.
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
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Pain or numbness in the hands or feet
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Sensitivity to touch or loss of sense of touch
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Burning sensation in feet (especially at night)
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Muscle weakness or wasting
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Difficulty with coordination when walking
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Indigestion nausea, or vomiting
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Dizziness when standing up
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Excessive or decreased sweating
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Bladder problems (incomplete bladder emptying)
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Erectile dysfunction
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Vaginal dryness
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Increased heart rate
Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common form of neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs. In some cases, it affects the arms and hands too. The symptoms are mild to severe.
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Sharp pain
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Cramping or numbness
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Tingling or burning sensations
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Muscle weakness
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Extreme sensitivity to touch
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Loss of balance or coordination
The symptoms are often experienced at night. Patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy don’t feel an injury or soreness on their feet.
Autonomic Neuropathy
This type of neuropathy affects the digestive system (stomach). Apart from the digestive system it also affects the blood vessels, sex organs, and urinary system.
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Digestive System Symptoms
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Bloating
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Feeling full after small meals
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Heartburn
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Blood Vessels Symptoms
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Dizziness
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Faster heartbeat
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Low blood pressure
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy (diabetic amyotrophy) is a rare form of neuropathy. It is most common in men over 50 years of age. It affects the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Patients may experience sudden and severe pain.
Diabetic amyotrophy usually affects one side of the body. Muscle weakness in the legs makes it difficult to stand without assistance.
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy (focal neuropathy) involves damage to a specific nerve (leg, middle of the body or face). The symptoms include pain in the:
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Pelvis or lower back
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Foot or shin
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Abdomen or chest
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Front of thigh
Diabetic Neuropathy – Treatment
Diabetic neuropathy has no treatment. Its progression can definitely be slowed down. The best way to treat neuropathy is to keep the blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This helps in relieving some of the symptoms.
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Pain Management
Medications are often used to treat the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. The other alternatives that are used to manage pain include 360 Pain Treatment and acupuncture.
The alternative pain management therapies provide relief from pain when they are used with medication.
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Manage Complications
Therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes are suggested by doctors to manage the many complications of neuropathy. It is advisable to monitor the blood sugar level to deal with the many symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Dr. Raju Mantena works with each individual patient to customize the 360 Pain Treatment as per their specific requirement. The personal attention and quality care help patients achieve a pain-free life.
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