Diabetes neuropathy is a complication caused by diabetes that involves nerve damage in the body. Over time when a person’s blood sugar levels are high and not controlled there can be damage to the nerves throughout the body. This damage makes it hard for the nerves to carry messages to the brain and other parts of the body. The people who have diabetes for a long time and those who drink too much alcohol are the ones most likely to develop nerve damage.

There are three types of Diabetes Neuropathy:

1. Peripheral neuropathy – It is damage to the nerves that sense pain, touch, hot, and cold. They also affect movement and muscle strength. The ones in the feet and lower legs are mostly affected and can lead to serious foot problems if not treated.

2. Autonomic neuropathy – It is damage to the nerves that control heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination, and sexual function.

3. Focal neuropathy – It is damage to one nerve that can be in the wrist, thigh, or foot. It may also affect the nerves in your back or chest that control your eye muscles. This type of nerve damage usually happens suddenly.

Symptoms:

- Pain or a burning feeling in your legs
- Heart and blood vessel problems – dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or fainting when you stand or sit from a reclining position
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating, belching, vomiting, and belly pain
- Failure to get an erection (also known as impotence in men)
- Vaginal dryness (in women)
- Body temperature – heavy sweating at night or when you eat certain foods, or a reduced sweating
- Urination problems – finding it hard to tell when your bladder is full or empty

Prevention:

- Control your blood sugar levels
- Exercise
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Check your feet every day for redness, swelling, infection, pain, numbness or tingling and call your doctor at the first signs.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Choose shoes that fit properly and have good support.
- Break in new shoes slowly too avoid red spots and swelling.
- Wash your feet daily and use creams or lotions if necessary.

Treatment:

- Medications
- Compression stockings
- Lotions and creams
- Splint or brace for pinched nerves
- Natural supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps

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