Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which high levels of glucose (sugar) in your body cause damage to a wide variety of nerves in your body. There are four different types of diabetic neuropathy and each affects different parts of the body: peripheral neuropathy (hands, feet, legs and arms); autonomic neuropathy (bladder, heart, digestive system, eyes, lungs and reproductive organs); proximal neuropathy (hips, thigh and buttocks); and focal neuropathy (face, eyes and feet). Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are largely characterized by weakness and pain.
Peripheral Neuropathy
According to MedlinePlus, peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling and pain in your extremities. The capability to detect cold or hot temperatures might be affected, as well. You might become overly sensitive to even the lightest touch, and experience problems with coordination and steadiness. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, foot infections and pain in your bones or joints.
Autonomic Neuropathy
People with autonomic diabetic neuropathy may experience bowel and bladder problems. Constipation or diarrhea can develop due to damage of the bladder and intestinal nerves. Urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, stomach pains, belching and bloating are other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, says the Mayo Clinic. In some instances, autonomic neuropathy may cause erectile dysfunction (impotence) and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms include orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure with when changing positions), eye problems and diaphoresis (sweating).
Focal Neuropathy
According to the Mayo Clinic, focal neuropathy may lead to double vision, eye pain and facial paralysis (Bell's palsy). Other symptoms include foot or shin pain. It is more common in adults, and though onset is sudden, the symptoms typically subside within a few months.
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy can cause intense pain in your hips, thigh and buttocks. According to the Mayo Clinic, this will typically affect either the left or right side of your body. In severe cases, it can cause muscle weakness and pain. Marked weight loss can occur, as well as weakening of the thigh muscles which can affect your ability to stand up from a sitting position.
