If you are one of the 23.6 million people who are learning how to manage their struggle with diabetes, your doctor has probably already informed you of the importance of managing your blood glucose levels. She has probably also spoken to you about the other complications that can occur with diabetics: high blood pressure, blindness, kidney failure, loss of limb and even dental disease.
Sixty to 70 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes can experience a wide variety of neuropathies. Neuropathies are a collection of nerve disorders that can range from something as simple as a sore hand to a complete loss of feeling in the extremities, digestive tract and major problems with the heart and sex organs. Diabetic neuropathies are categorized as peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal neuropathies.
Peripheral Neuropathies
As the name suggests, peripheral neuropathies primarily affect the toes, arms, hands, legs and feet. It begins with numbness and tingling and can advance to sharp pain, sensitivity to touch and loss of balance and coordination.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that affects your heart rate, blood pressure and regulates your blood glucose levels. It can also affect your internal organs, causing problems in digestion, urination, vision and respiration.
Promimal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy begins in the lumbosacral area with pain in the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. It is prevalent in type II diabetics and usually begins on one side of the body and makes it difficult to stand from a sitting position.
Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathies can radiate to several areas of the body. The first symptoms are the inability to focus the eyes, aching behind one eye, paralysis on one side of the face, severe pain in the lower back and pelvis, the front of the thigh, the center of the chest or abdominal pain. Sometimes, these symptoms are often mistaken for a heart attack.
