Diabetes, a condition where sugar levels become higher than normal, causes damage to nerves. It is called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes affects the blood supply to the nerves which in turn are unable to send and receive signals to and from the brain to the body leading to nerve damage. It mainly affects nerves in the feet and legs. Diabetes nerve damage is caused by high blood sugar levels, where the pain can potentially be unbearable and debilitating. Depending on the site of nerve damage and severity, the diabetes nerve pain symptoms can range from numbness in the feet and diabetes nerve pain in the legs to problems in the digestive system, blood vessels and heart. Diabetes nerve pain relief can be brought by consistent blood sugar management and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Contact a neurologist who may advise diabetes nerve pain medication. You can also have online neurologist consultation. Following diabetes nerve pain home remedy like keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthy, not smoking and being active every day can effectively help in pain management.  Learn from the neurosurgeon in Patna about the nervous system facts, foods that heal nerve damage, aspartame side effects on the brain,best  food for nerve repair, complex ptsd and sleep, facts about the cns. These are the reasons to see a neurologist.

 

Diabetes and Nerve Pain Reasons

The reasons behind diabetes leading to nerve damage are not precisely known. It is understood that uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage nerves and affect the ability to send and receive signals. High blood sugar also damages the capillaries or the small blood vessels that take nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. In some people, low Vitamin B12 levels may also cause nerve damage. The online neurologist may prescribe blood tests to check for vitamin deficiency. Some other factors that cause diabetic neuropathy are:

  • ·         Damaged blood vessels due to high cholesterol
  • ·         Lifestyle factors like alcohol abuse or smoking
  • ·         Mechanical injuries like those caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Diabetes Nerve Damage Symptoms

The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected and the type of diabetic neuropathy you have. Usually, you may not notice diabetes related nerve pain until considerable damage has occurred.  A person can develop one or more than one of the four kinds of diabetic neuropathy:

  • ·         Peripheral Nerve Damage: It is the most common type of nerve damage which affects lower limbs first, followed by damage to nerves of the upper limbs. Symptoms include numbness, tingling sensation, heightened sensitivity to touch, cramps and severe foot problems.
  • ·         Autonomic Nerve Damage: It affects the nerves of the bladder, intestines, eyes, heart, stomach; symptoms include bowel problems, lowered sexual responses, lack of awareness of low blood sugar levels,
  • ·         Proximal Neuropathy: It affects the nerves in the hips, legs, thighs, and buttocks. In some people, it can also affect the chest and abdominal area. Symptoms include severe pain, shrinking thigh muscles, severe stomach pain, and difficulty standing after sitting for a long time.
  • ·         Focal Neuropathy: It refers to nerve damage of specific areas like the cranium. Symptoms include difficulty in focusing, pain behind one eye, numbness in fingers or hands, paralysis of one facial side, and inability to hold things due to weak muscles. 

 

Diabetes Nerve Damage Diagnosis

The top neurologist in Jaipur will diagnose diabetic nerve damage with a physical examination, medical history and asking questions about your symptoms. He will also examine reflex actions, overall muscle strength and sensitivity to vibrations and touch. Some specialized tests like sensory, muscle response, and autonomic tests may be recommended depending on the type of nerve damage.

 

Diabetes Nerve Damage Risk Factors

Diabetes can eventually lead to nerve damage. But any of the following factors are likely to increase your chances of developing diabetic neuropathy:

  • Uncontrolled levels of sugar in the blood heightens the risk of developing diabetic complications, including nerve damage.
  • The longer you have had diabetes, the higher the chances of damage to the nerves. The possibilities become higher if diabetes has been uncontrolled.
  • Being obese or having a Body Mass Index of more than 25 increases diabetes nerve damage risk.
  • Smoking hardens and narrows the arteries, thus reducing the blood supply to the feet and legs. It leads to nerve damage.
  • Diabetes affects the functioning of kidneys. Damaged kidneys are unable to process wastes efficiently and send toxins back into the blood causing nerve damage.

 

Diabetes Nerve Damage Treatment

Nerve damage is irreversible. However, the treatment is effective as the goals aim to:

  • Reduce the progression of the disease

Maintaining the blood sugar levels within the range is critical to preventing or deferring the onset of nerve damage. When effectively managed, it may even reduce some of the associated symptoms. Consulting one of the top 5 neurologist in Patna will help you to identify your target range of blood sugar. Ideally, it should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals for diabetic people.  

  • Reduce pain: Book a consultation with the top neurosurgeon in Patna if you are keen to consider medication for reducing pain.  The medicines may not work for everyone. Each case has to be considered on an individual basis. The pain relief treatment includes anti-seizure drugs and antidepressants. The medications are known to relieve nerve damage pain even if you do not have seizures or are not depressed.
  • Restore functioning by managing complications: The best neurologist in Faridabad can advise about the treatment depending on the type of neuropathy related complication. The complications could be problems associated with the urinary tract, digestive system, low blood pressure, or sexual dysfunction. You need to consult a specialist doctor along with your mind doctor in Delhi or mind doctor in Agra.

 

FAQs

How are nerves damaged from diabetes?

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the nerves. The damaged nerves cannot send and receive signals between the brain and other parts of the body. This causes the nerves to either send signals at the wrong time, not send at all, or send slowly. When this happens, the body responses become weak, and it causes loss of balance and numbness.

Why does diabetes cause problems for the feet?

Diabetes harms the nerves, causes infection, ulcers, and problems with blood circulation. Diabetic people are not able to feel any injury to the feet due to numbness. This exposes the person to further complications.

Is it possible to avoid diabetic neuropathy?

Yes, it is possible to avoid diabetic nerve damage by effective management of blood sugar levels. 

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