Having diabetes is not an uncommon diagnosis in the United States. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in 2009 show that 10 percent of the American population over the age of 20 has diabetes. Although many go undiagnosed, this disease can cause a number of serious health problems. One of the most common is nerve damage, which affects 60 to 70 percent of those with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Identification
Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage common in diabetics. It typically affects the feet and hands. Signs that you have nerve damage include a numb sensation, loss of feeling, tingling, burning and sharp pain. These symptoms can gradually move into the legs and arms as the damage progresses. That's why it's vital that you see a doctor to prevent further nerve damage in other parts of the body.
Blood Glucose and Nerve Damage
High blood glucose, or the presence of too much sugar in the blood, causes several problems for diabetics, including nerve damage. The excess glucose damages the walls of the capillaries in your nerves. The feet and legs are at risk for developing neuropathy symptoms because the nerves in these areas are especially susceptible to damage from high blood sugar. Peripheral neuropathy often begins in the longest nerves in your body, which reach the toes, according to MayoClinic.com.
Other Nerve Complications
While a loss of feeling in the feet is typically associated with peripheral neuropathy, you should also be aware of autonomic neuropathy. This type of nerve damage also occurs in diabetics and affects involuntary functions such as your heart rate and digestion. Diabetes is the most common cause for autonomic neuropathy. Symptoms include dizziness, urinary complications, exercise intolerance, abnormal sweating and vision problems.
Treatment
Getting your blood sugar level under control is the first priority in limiting nerve damage to the feet, legs or other parts of the body. Prescription drugs are available to reduce or manage neuropathy symptoms in conjunction with your diabetes treatment plan. These include pain relievers, seizure medications and antidepressants that can reduce the pain associated with nerve damage. Electrotherapy may also be used to relieve symptoms.
Personal Changes
Nerve damage can change the shape of your feet so you may need to wear shoes designed for diabetics. As a diabetic, it takes more time for sores, cuts or wounds to heal. Make sure your shoes and socks are not too tight as this can slow the healing process. Eating a low-fat diet rich in a variety of whole foods and exercising can reduce neuropathy symptoms in addition to lowering your blood glucose level. Work with your physician to develop a stop-smoking plan if you're a smoker. Smoking increases problems with blood circulation, which can further damage your feet.
