Causes And Risk Factors Of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes, and it is considered a form of nerve damage. There are four types of this condition, and it can impact nerves throughout the body. The most common form of diabetic neuropathy affects the legs and feet. Symptoms generally include tingling and burning sensations, numbness, sharp pain, and increased sensitivity to touch. Some patients may experience a decreased ability to feel hot or cold temperatures. Muscle weakness, balance problems, and coordination difficulties may also be present. Diabetic neuropathy can have particularly severe effects on the ankles and feet. Foot ulcers and infections may occur, and patients may have pain in the bones of their feet. When reflexes are tested, they may be diminished or absent, particularly in the ankle.

The major causes and risk factors for diabetic neuropathy are outlined below.

Poor Control Over Blood Sugar

Poor control over blood sugar is one of the main causes of diabetic neuropathy. Patients may have trouble controlling their blood sugar due to lifestyle habits and medication problems. For example, some patients do not check their blood sugar as often as their doctor recommends, and this means they cannot take action to correct potentially high numbers. If a patient's diet is high in fast food and processed food items, they may experience large swings in sugar readings throughout the day, and these can be very difficult to manage. To achieve better control over blood sugar and reduce the risk of neuropathy, diabetes patients may need to take a combination of tablets, injections, and insulin to control their glucose. Consultations with a nutritionist may help patients with meal planning and educate them about dietary changes that may stabilize their glucose readings.

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Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a complication of diabetes that can lead to nerve damage, eventually causing neuropathy. In diabetes patients, kidney disease develops because elevated blood sugar leads to high blood pressure. This high blood pressure also increases the pressure within the filtering system of the kidneys, which is comprised of clusters of blood vessels that remove toxins. Symptoms of kidney disease include itching, shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, and swelling in the legs and feet. Patients with kidney problems are often advised to eat a diet low in protein to reduce the waste products in the bloodstream. Doctors typically begin by using medications that reduce blood pressure and swelling in the lower limbs. Patients may also be given medicines to treat anemia and protect against bone damage. For later stages of kidney disease, patients will need dialysis, and some patients may ultimately need to have a kidney transplant.

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