Diabetes is a medical condition caused by the inability of the body to produce or effectively utilize insulin. Approximately 220 million people throughout the world are affected by this condition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Certain people with diabetes may develop circulatory complications, such as nerve damage---a condition called diabetic neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which circulatory nerve damage occurs within the arms, hands, legs, feet or toes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include tingling, pain, numbness, weakness, or increased sensitivity according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Peripheral neuropathy may also lead to changes in the structure or appears of the muscles or skin of the affected limbs---particularly the feet or legs. Treatment of this condition involves maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, pain management and foot protection.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the circulatory nerves within the body that are responsible for controlling your body systems, states the ADA. Such nerves control body systems including the urinary and digestive tracts, sex organs, sweat glands, heart and blood vessels and eyes. Autonomic nerve damage may lead to difficulties controlling blood pressure or bladder function in certain people with diabetes, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy may include indigestion, lightheadedness, diarrhea, constipation or impotence. The ADA notes that treatment of this condition involves meal planning, medication or medical device use.
Additional Neuropathies
People with diabetes may be at increased risk of developing a number of additional types of circulatory nerve damage. Such conditions may include Charcot's Joint, which causes the breakdown of joint tissue, or cranial neuropathy, which can lead to difficulties controlling eye movement. Compression mononeuropathy or femoral neuropathy may also develop in certain people with diabetes, which can cause limb numbness or leg muscles weakness, respectively. The NDIC notes that some patients with diabetes may also develop focal neuropathy, a condition that can cause sudden weakness in one nerve or a specific group of nerves resulting in muscle pain or weakness. Treatment of these conditions involves blood sugar and diet maintenance, as well as treatment with medication.
