Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves suffer damage.
This is caused by the prolonged effect of elevated sugar levels within the blood.
High levels of blood sugar are a common consequence of diabetics.
While blood sugar levels can be managed with exercise, consuming a healthy balanced diet and in some cases medical intervention with the injection of insulin, there are some common complications as a result of the condition including diabetic neuropathy.
Treatment regimens tend to focus on lowering the blood sugar.
This is the best way to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
However, there are a variety of different types of neuropathy and this can affect how they should be treated.
Generally, there this complication can affect any nerves in the body, but it is usually classified into four main types of diabetic neuropathy.
Treatment can then be tailored to suit the particularly affected region.
• Peripheral: This is when the condition affects the extremities of your body.
This is especially common in the feet.
• Proximal: This is the nerves within the thighs, buttocks and hips region • Autonomic: This is when the nerves in the autonomic system are affected.
This can affect automatic processes within the body and will generally manifest with stomach issues.
• Focal: This is when the nerve damage is focused on a targeted group of nerves.
It is often characterized with a sudden flare up of pain or irritation in a particular area of the body.
Generally, diabetics are commonly affected by peripheral neuropathy.
This will usually affect your feet but it may move into your legs.
Some people can have their hands or arms affected, but this is less commonly seen.
There are a number of indicators of peripheral neuropathy including tingling or numbness of the feet.
As the condition progresses and more damage occurs, there is an increased severity in the symptoms.
This condition tends to be exacerbated since diabetics can be prone to feet complications such as bruising.
When sensation is reduced, there is a greater risk of a cut going unnoticed and untreated.
This can increase the risk of infection and gangrene, which could eventually result in the need for amputation.
Apart from the obvious issue of management of pain, this is the primary reason why diabetic neuropathy treatment is so important.
Treatment protocols can be problematic, as the symptoms may affect any area of the body.
Generally health care professionals will focus a treatment on the immediate symptoms before addressing the underlying issue.
Initial treatment may take the form of pain killers to reduce the symptoms of nerve irritation.
This may include also topical creams or alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
However, in conjunction with any form of diabetic neuropathy treatment, there must also be a strategy to reduce blood sugar levels and prevent the development of more severe symptoms.
The best way to do this is to control glucose levels with a healthy balanced diet, regular monitoring and some daily exercise.
This can not only provide pain relief but can also reduce the risk of development.