Diabetic neuropathies: types, symptoms, causes and treatments

Diabetes can cause nerve tissues to be destroyed because of poor sugar regulation.

Sugar. A substance that hides in practically any food and that, over time, has seen its consumption increase to highly worrying levels. This concern is based on the many health effects of this sweet and addictive substance.

One of these consequences is diabetes. Although it does not have to be highly detrimental to the person, it can become complicated. It is then when the so-called diabetic neuropathies appear.of which we will speak throughout this article.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high Blood sugar levels in those who suffer from it. This excess of glucose causes the deterioration of the nerves, causing any type of diabetic neuropathy.causing any of the types of diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, diabetic neuropathies are described as a set of nervous alterations caused by an excess of glucose in the blood and which usually cause deterioration of the nerves related to the lower extremities, although it can extend to other areas of the body.

The clinical picture of diabetic neuropathy can vary depending on the groups of damaged nerves. These symptoms range from pain sensations and numbness in the legs, gastric disturbances or cardiac problems. In addition, the intensity of the symptoms may also differ from one person to another, since while in some cases the symptoms are very weak, in others, they can be highly disabling and even fatal..

Although diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetic disease, its symptoms can be avoided or reduced in intensity if the person commits to a healthy lifestyle and regular blood glucose monitoring.

This type of nervous disorder affects 60-70% of the population with diabetes.. Although anyone with diabetic disease is susceptible to developing neuropathy, the risk tends to increase with age and as the disease progresses. In other words, the longer a person suffers from diabetes, the more likely they are to develop neuropathy.

However, this nerve disorder does not only affect diabetes patients, but can also appear in people who experience problems controlling blood sugar levels or in people who suffer from hypertension and who have a large amount of body fat mass, as well as in people who are overweight..

Types of diabetic neuropathy and symptoms

As discussed in the previous section there are several types of diabetic neuropathy. These four categories are distinguished according to the nerves damaged, as well as by presenting a different clinical picture or symptomatology.

It is necessary to specify that the different types of neuropathies are not mutually exclusive. That is to say, the person may develop symptoms of the different types simultaneously or, on the contrary, his or her symptoms may only belong to one of the neuropathies.

In most cases, the symptoms appear and evolve progressively, with the danger that the person is not aware of them until the neuropathy has already caused significant deterioration..

These four types of neuropathy are the following.

1. Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common of all neuropathies. Initially, the person experiences a series of symptoms in the upper extremities, which over time extend to the arms. with the time they extend towards arms and hands and also tend to worsen at night.

These symptoms are:

• Numbness decreased sensitivity to pain and temperature in the extremities. and temperature in the extremities.
• Itching, cramping or penetrating pains.
• Increased general sensitivity to touch.
• Feeling of sluggishness.
• Decreased reflexes.
• Loss of balance and coordination. and coordination.
• Alterations in the feet such as infections, malformations and bone pain.

2. Autonomic neuropathy

As its name suggests, this second type of neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system. As a consequence, the nerve cells that govern the functioning of organs such as the lungs, heart, eyes or sexual organs can be highly damaged.

Among the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy we can find:

• Gastric disturbances such as constipation or diarrhea.
• Urinary tract infections and incontinence.
• Gastroparesis.
• Swallowing problems.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Decreased blood pressure..
• Increased resting heart rate.

3. Neuropathy radiculoplexopathy

Also known as diabetic amyotrophy, this type of neuropathic disorder mainly affects the lower extremities, including the hips and buttocks. Usually, symptoms only appear on one side of the body, but may spread to the other side.but it is possible for them to spread to the other side.

The main symptoms are:

• Sensation of sudden, sharp pain..
• Problems to sit up.
• Weakness and muscular atrophy.
• Weight loss.

4. Mononeuropathy

This last type of neuropathy usually appears suddenly and is more typical of older people and is characterized by the deterioration of a specific nerve. The best known of the syndromes caused by mononeuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms of which are concentrated in the person's hands.

Although the symptoms may depend on the nerves affected, the symptoms of mononeuropathy tend to diminish over time.. These symptoms include:

• Severe chest or abdominal pain.
• Pain in the lower back or pelvis.
• Thigh pain.
• Calf or foot pain.

Causes and risk factors

As already mentioned throughout the article, the origin of the neuropathies is found in a deterioration of the nerve fibers caused by excessive levels of sugar in the blood.. Although the exact reason for this association has not yet been determined, it is hypothesized that it is due to the complex interaction between nerves and blood vessels.

Excessive levels of glucose in the bloodstream can obstruct the function of nerves, which have difficulty transmitting signals. In addition, hyperglycemia can cause wear and tear of the capillary walls, also obstructing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the nerves..

The conditions that can cause this increase in sugar levels are:

• An alteration of the autoimmune response that causes inflammation of the nerves.
• Genetic factors.
• Toxic habits such as smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

In addition, there are a number of risk factors that can facilitate the onset of any type of neuropathy:

• Lack of control of blood sugar levels..
• Duration of diabetic disease.
• Renal diseases.
• Overweight.

Treatment

For the time being, it has not been possible to develop a treatment that completely resolves the symptoms of neuropathies. However, very effective protocols have been developed with the following objectives:

• Reducing the progression of the disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which allows the person to maintain adequate blood sugar levels.
• Relieve pain by means of medication or physiotherapy.
• Control of possible complications and and reestablishment of the functions by means of symptomatological treatment.

Thanks to these intervention guidelines, it is possible to improve the quality of life of people suffering from neuropathy, who can lead a completely normal life.