What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy refers to a group of nerve disorders caused by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In the U.S., a staggering half of people with diabetes experience some form of neuropathy, and for 30-50% of them, this translates to pain and other debilitating symptoms.

Understanding this complication is crucial for managing diabetes effectively and maintaining a good quality of life. This blog discusses diabetic neuropathy, its types, risk factors, and symptoms in detail. We also give you some tips on preventing and managing this complication.

Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy

Chronically high blood sugar, a hallmark of diabetes, can significantly impact the nervous system. This damage occurs through two main mechanisms:

• Interference with Nerve Signaling: Elevated glucose levels can directly disrupt the ability of nerves to transmit signals effectively, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain.
• Impaired Blood Flow: High blood sugar can weaken the walls of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) supplying oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. This impaired blood flow further contributes to nerve dysfunction and damage.

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It is caused by high blood sugar or glucose levels over time and typically impacts the nerves in the feet and legs. 

Risk Factors for Developing Diabetic Neuropathy

Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. These include the following: 

• Duration of Diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk of developing neuropathy. This is especially true if the condition is poorly controlled. 
• High Blood Sugar Levels: Chronically high blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia, can be caused by several factors. These include not taking diabetes medication and consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks. 
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can also harm nerves and blood vessels.
• Obesity and Physical Inactivity: Excess weight and lack of exercise contribute to diabetes complications.
• Smoking: Smoking narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy isn't just a single condition but rather a group of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. Each one affects the body in different ways and can present unique challenges. By understanding the various types —peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal—you can better recognize diabetic neuropathy symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. 

Peripheral Neuropathy

This is the most frequently diagnosed type. It typically begins in the feet and legs, gradually progressing toward the hands and arms in some cases.

Symptoms include the following: 

• Burning, Tingling, and Numbness: These sensations are felt in the feet and hands and are often more severe at night.
• Sudden, Intense Cramps: The most common areas affected include the legs and feet, especially the thighs, calves, and soles. 
• Loss of Balance and Coordination: This symptom is dangerous because it can increase the risk of falls.
• Discomfort From Touch: Some people with peripheral neuropathy experience pain from even light touches or pressure, such as from the weight of a bedsheet. 
• Serious Foot Issues: These include ulcers, changes in foot shape, and infections. 

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves that controls heart rate, blood pressure, eyesight, digestion, sweating, sexual function, and bladder control. 

When diabetes impacts any of the nerves in the autonomic nervous system, it could result in the following symptoms:

• Gastroparesis: This refers to delayed stomach emptying. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Other Gastrointestinal Issues: A person with autonomic neuropathy can experience constipation, diarrhea, or both. 
• Bladder and Urinary Issues: Some people experience urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control. Others may have difficulty emptying their bladder (urinary retention). Frequent urinary tract infections are common.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women can occur.
• Changes in Heart Rate: An irregular heartbeat or a faster heart rate even while at rest is possible.

Proximal Neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy, a less frequent complication of diabetes compared to peripheral or autonomic neuropathy, primarily affects the muscles and nerves in the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

The symptoms of proximal neuropathy include the following: 

• Pain in Hips, Thighs, and Buttocks: Pain can be severe and may start suddenly.
• Weakness and Muscle Loss: This can make moving from a sitting to a standing position difficult.

Focal Neuropathy

Focal neuropathies can also occur in people with diabetes. This type of neuropathy affects a single nerve or a small group of nerves, causing weakness, pain, or numbness in a specific area of the body.

One common cause of focal neuropathy in people with diabetes is compression or entrapment. This happens when nerves become squeezed or trapped as they pass through narrow tunnels formed by bones and tissues. Symptoms depend on which nerve or nerve group is affected. 

Examples include the following: 

• Sudden and Severe Pain: Pain can occur in the face, torso, or legs.
• Vision Problems or Double Vision: Nerve damage can affect eye muscles.
• Facial Paralysis or Drooping: Bell's palsy is a focal neuropathy affecting the facial nerve.

Prevention and Management of Diabetic Neuropathy 

Diabetic neuropathy treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further nerve damage. Here are some practical tips for preventing and managing this condition:

Peripheral Neuropathy

• Regular Foot Checkups: Inspect your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, or other injuries, and have your healthcare provider perform routine foot exams.
• Proper Footwear: Invest in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Custom diabetic insoles are also helpful, as they may help prevent foot and ankle injuries by providing arch support and improving foot alignment. 
• Physical Therapy: This can help manage pain and address balance issues.

Autonomic Neuropathy

• Diet Modifications: Eat smaller, more frequent meals to manage digestive symptoms. Stay hydrated and increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation.

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Proximal Neuropathy

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Focal Neuropathy

• Rest and Stress Management: To help your body heal, get adequate rest and practice stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, blood sugar monitoring and management, as well as smoking cessation is vital for preventing and managing all types of diabetic neuropathy. Your doctor may also prescribe diabetic neuropathy medication to relieve pain, control your glucose levels, manage blood pressure fluctuations, or address gastrointestinal symptoms. If so, you must take it exactly as directed. 

Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are crucial for detecting and addressing complications early. Finally, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program or significantly changing your diet. 

Explore Diabetic Insoles From FootDirectClub

Understanding diabetic neuropathy is key to managing diabetes effectively. By staying informed and proactive, you can take steps to protect your nerve health and improve your quality of life.

FootDirectClub offers custom diabetic insoles for individuals with neuropathy. With exceptional cushioning and support, these insoles help decrease foot friction and pressure that could lead to calluses, ulcers, blisters, or sores. They also keep the feet cool and dry, preventing excessive sweating.

Learn more about our custom diabetic insoles, and order today!