Neuropathy Overview
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. The symptoms vary in each individual. Some people may have nerve damage throughout their body and not know it, while others may feel sharp, intense pain. More than half of the people with diabetes have some sort of neuropathy. Though diabetic neuropathy can develop at any time, it tends to be more common in people who have had diabetes for a number of years, people who have difficulty keeping blood sugar under control, those with high blood pressure or blood fat, and those who are overweight.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Of the four basic types of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy is the most common among diabetics. Peripheral neuropathy, which affects the arms and hands--as well as the feet and legs--can involve the loss of feeling in the affected limbs, sharp pain, tingling or numbness and sensitivity to touch. Symptoms are typically most severe at nighttime.The legs and feet are the areas most often affected by peripheral neuropathy. If left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot amputation.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy typically affects the heart and other internal organs, as well as the eyes and sex organs. As a result, men and women often have sexual difficulties and urinary tract infections or urination problems. Because the bladder and stomach may also be affected, digestive problems, constipation or diarrhea are also common symptoms. The sweat glands may be affected, which causes difficulty in regulating body temperature. Eyes may have difficulty dealing with changes in light.
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy affects the thighs, hips and buttocks area. It can cause extreme pain, which typically begins on one side of the body. Proximal neuropathy can also cause weakness in the legs. In time, thigh muscles become weak, making it difficult to stand from a sitting position. Proximal neuropathy is most common with older diabetics and those with Type 2 diabetes.
Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy mostly occurs in older diabetics. It's typically fast-acting and affects just a single nerve. In many instances, focal neuropathy goes away on its own. Some of the more frequent symptoms are difficulty focusing or double vision, pain in the lower leg or foot or Bell's palsy, which is paralysis on one side of the face.
