By 
interventional pain management Olney, MD
Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition that affects people with diabetes or uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. It usually develops gradually, causing damage to your nerves. You may notice numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain when this happens. This condition has no cure, but you can receive treatments from a diabetic neuropathy Baltimore specialist to help slow its progression and prevent further health complications. Also, managing our blood sugar levels can effectively lower your risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. This condition can lead to limb amputation and repetitive infections if left untreated. If you have diabetes, you risk developing the following common types of diabetic neuropathy.
- Peripheral Neuropathy
In your peripheral nervous system, you may experience pain and numbness in your hands and feet. You may also experience tingling or burning sensations similar to electric shocks.
This type of neuropathy can also affect your sense of feeling, touch, and balance. As a result, you can experience difficulty in walking straight or standing. Since peripheral neuropathy affects your sense of feeling, you might not notice an injury on your hands or feet, making you more prone to infections.
- Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy that causes pain in one area of the body. It can be either acute, chronic, mild, or severe, depending on how far your diabetes has progressed.
Focal neuropathy can occur anywhere in your body. You might experience sharp or burning pain that may change over time. It is a condition that can cause constant or periodic pain when you have diabetes.
- Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy, or autonomic dysfunction, is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when nerves in your body malfunction. As a result, you may develop problems with blood pressure and other body systems that control normal functions such as bowel movements and bladder control.
Common symptoms you may experience include abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation. You may also notice dry mouth or changes in taste buds whereby sweet foods taste bitter or salty foods taste sour.
- Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is a single nerve disorder that can be caused by diabetes. It can vary in severity and rarity. Mononeuropathy symptoms include numbness or weakness, tingling, and burning in the affected area.
There are numerous types of mononeuropathies, the most common being carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the meridian nerve of your arm. Mononeuropathies can also occur due to other health conditions such as autoimmune, vascular, metabolic disorders, and systemic diseases.
- Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy is a rare type that mostly affects men over 50 years. It is also known as diabetic amyotrophy and often affects your thighs, bottom, and hips. It also causes pain that varies in severity and type.
If you have proximal neuropathy, you may experience muscle weakness in your feet, making it difficult for you to stand or walk. During the onset of this condition, you might experience symptoms that worsen over time but eventually begin to improve gradually. At times, you might recover from proximal neuropathy even without treatment.
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that can affect anyone with diabetes. It also affects your blood vessels if left untreated. Fortunately, you can prevent diabetic neuropathy by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and consuming a low-fat diet.
If you suspect you might be at risk of developing this condition, consult your doctor on the best preventative measures. Also, if you notice unusual symptoms on your feet or arms, such as tingling or weakness, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Comments