The fast-paced life and sedentary lifestyle have impacted human health at large for the worse. With an inactive lifestyle, diseases like diabetes and obesity have taken over the global population, with one in every five humans being either diabetic or prediabetic. With diabetes comes a series of health complications; one such complication is diabetic neuropathy.
A condition like diabetic neuropathy causes the slow deterioration of the nerve and its functioning due to prolonged spiked blood sugar levels. It is prevalent among both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.
The initial symptoms can be felt as pain and stinging of the feet, followed by various other symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, pain in the limbs, dizziness, sensitivity to touch, bloating, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, etc.
If your blood sugar level is not within healthy limits and you are experiencing uneasiness get a consultation for diabetic neuropathy in Baltimore to be sure.
Diabetic neuropathy has mainly four types. They are as follows:
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects the lower limbs primarily and, at times, can progress to the hands. The symptoms include stinging pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, cramping, sharp pain, etc., which patients commonly experience. Often, the patients lose the feeling in their feet, making them non-responsive to any susceptible injuries. Blood flow to the leg also is withdrawn, which would not promote wounds to heal and increase the overall risk for infection. In most severe cases, amputation may be the only resort.
Autonomic Neuropathy
The body’s involuntary functions like digestion, sweat secretion, heartbeat, etc., are all controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Nerve damage to this system can interfere with the smooth functioning of the various organ systems like the digestive and cardiovascular systems. Symptoms like trouble swallowing, constipation, gastroparesis, etc., affect the digestive system. In contrast, symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, pain in the arm, chest, or jaw, etc., are linked to nerve damage in the cardiovascular system.
Proximal Neuropathy
Also widely known as diabetic amyotrophy, it is mainly seen among the 50 and above age group and male demographic. It usually affects the lower body, like the glutes, hips, and thighs. Severe pain can be felt along the legs after experiencing the symptom.
Focal Neuropathy
Also known as mononeuropathy, it affects a single or a group of nerves which can cause weakness in the area of nerve damage. The main spots for this damage are visible in the hands, legs, and torso, but it isn’t permanent. Symptoms include Bell’s palsy, tingling sensations, double vision, pain behind the eyes, etc.