Are you someone who has diabetes? So do you sometimes feel numbness, tingling, or stomach discomfort in your hands and feet? These are not just random things. The reason for this may be the damage that diabetes causes to the nerves in your body over time. In medicine, we call this condition 'Diabetic Neuropathy'. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. If you are properly informed about this and do the necessary things, you can manage it well. Let's talk about this in detail and simply.
Why is this happening? Simply put...
The main reason for this is that your blood sugar level has been uncontrolled for a long time. Just like rust, this excess sugar gradually starts to damage the delicate nerve fibers in our body. So the best and most important thing to prevent this is to work with your doctor to control your blood sugar levels well.
This neurological disorder can generally be divided into four (4) main types. The area affected and the symptoms vary depending on the type. Let's now look at each of them.
The 4 Main Types of Neuropathy
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common type of diabetes. It mainly affects the feet and legs . Very rarely, it can also affect the arms, abdomen, or back.
Let's take a look at the symptoms and what you can do about it in the table below.
| Symptoms | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Tingling in the legs and arms. |
|
| Numbness (may be permanent). | |
| Burning sensation (especially in the evening and at night). | |
| Feeling severe pain. |
The important thing is that if you control your blood sugar levels as soon as these early symptoms appear, this condition will go a long way. And there are good medications to control this pain and discomfort. Talk to your doctor about it.
2. Autonomic Neuropathy
This type affects the autonomic systems of our body, which include the digestive system, blood vessels, urinary system, and reproductive organs.
How it affects the digestive system
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Feeling full even after eating a little
If you have these symptoms, you can reduce the amount of food you eat at a time and increase the number of times you eat per day. Also, talk to your doctor about medications that can be given for this.
How it affects blood vessels
- Blacking out occurs when you suddenly stand up from sitting or sleeping, and your eyes seem to roll and you seem to lose consciousness.
- Heart palpitations.
- Dizziness.
- Low blood pressure.
If this is the case, try to get up slowly rather than suddenly. Your doctor may recommend special stockings or medication.
How it affects sexual health
This condition can affect both men and women. When you have a problem like this, it's important to talk to a doctor without being embarrassed or keeping it to yourself.
| For Whom? | Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Inability to achieve or maintain arousal for sexual intercourse. Reduced or "dry" ejaculation. | See a doctor. There may be other causes besides diabetes. There are counseling, medications, and other treatments. |
| Women | Decreased or absent vaginal lubrication and arousal. | See a doctor. There are treatments such as lubricants, creams, and medications that can help you have sex without pain. |
How it affects the urinary system
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
- Filling the stomach.
- Incontinence.
- Frequent need to urinate at night.
If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor. There are treatments available, such as medication, self-catheterization, or surgery.
3. Proximal Neuropathy
This type of pain occurs in the thigh, hip, or buttock area. It usually affects one side of the body. It can also cause weakness in the legs. Many people with this condition need medication and physical therapy to manage the pain and weakness.
4. Focal Neuropathy
This is a condition that can occur very unexpectedly and suddenly. It involves damage to a specific nerve in the body. Most often, the nerves in the head, trunk, or legs are affected.
Symptoms:
- Double vision
- Eye pain
- Loss of sensation on one side of the face (Bell's palsy)
- Severe pain in a specific area, such as the lower back or legs.
- Chest or abdominal pain.
Warning: Sometimes this chest or abdominal pain can be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as a heart attack or appendicitis. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, see a doctor or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
But the good news is that, although focal neuropathy is painful, it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months without any long-term damage.
Other nerve problems that can be caused by diabetes
People with diabetes can also develop other problems, such as nerve compression. A good example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome . This is a condition in which the nerve that runs through the wrist becomes compressed, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
So if you suspect you have any of these types of neurological disorders, please talk to your doctor about it. He or she can diagnose the cause and prescribe the right treatment for you.
Take-Home Message
- Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. Although this is a serious condition, it can be managed well.
- The best way to prevent and treat this is to work with your doctor to control your blood sugar levels.
- There is a wide range of symptoms that can occur, from leg pain to stomach problems and sexual dysfunction. Don't ignore any of these symptoms.
- Talk to your doctor right away about any new or unusual symptoms, such as numbness, loss of sensation, or dizziness. Prompt treatment can prevent long-term damage.
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