Diabetic Symptoms: The Warning Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy

Approximately 60% to 70% of people that have diabetes have some sort of neuropathy.  Diabetic people are more likely to develop problems in their nerves, but the risks can increase depending on the person’s age and the amount of time they have been suffering from the disease.  The highest rate of diabetic neuropathy is found among people that have had the disease for at least 25 years. 

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes.  Diabetics often can develop nerve damage throughout their entire body without showing any diabetic symptoms.  This nerve damage can cause problems in any particular organ including the heart, the digestive tracks, and even the sex organs.

Common Diabetic Symptoms of Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy affects peripheral nerves in the body including motor neurons, pain fibers, and autonomic nerves.  Thus, it impacts all organs which are innervated.  Depending on the affected nerve, the diabetic symptoms can vary and usually will progress slowly over several years.  The most common and general diabetic symptoms to watch for are:

Diarrhea
Any Numbness or Tingling sensations in the extremities
Urinary Incontinence – losing control of your bladder
Dyesthesia – experiencing a loss or decrease in sensation
Erectile Dysfunction
Changes is your vision
Impotence
Dizziness
Feeling Muscle Weakness
Impaired Speech

A Treatment Plan for Diabetic Symptoms

If you have diabetic symptoms that materialize into a full manifestation of the disease, you can become at risk for foot ulcerations.  Diabetic neuropathy can have an affect on the sensations in your feet which can make you prone to injuries.  If your foot does get injured, the risk for infection increases which could ultimiately lead to gangrene or even amputation if it is not cared for properly.   Therefore, being properly educated on foot care is essential.  Getting frequent medical check-ups that include meticulous foot inspections are necessary and reiterate how important it is to mainatin self-awareness.

There are several medications available to treat diabetic symptoms related to neuropathy.  A sample of these drugs include pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressant, duloxetine, topical lidocaine, and gabapentin.  Additional medications that can also be used are include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, opiods and oxcarbazepine.  Topical medications such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin can also be used.  These can be helpful for patients that suffer from diabetic symptoms such as localized pain.  Keep in mind that  all medications can have various types of side effects if they’re not used correctly, so it is vital that they are administered properly. 

Prevent Diabetic Symptoms BEFORE They Start

The most effective ways to deter diabetic symptoms is to try to maintain normal blood glucose and blood sugar levels.  In addition, maintaining a normal blood pressure level and getting regular excerise can do wonders in preventing  neuropathy diabetic symptoms.  By excercising regularly, you can burn any excess sugar in your blood and lower the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.  If you are already diabetic and you smoke or drink excessivley, just stop these activities.  Smoking and drinking alcohol can lead to diabetic neuropathy or make your diabetes worse.  Instead, try to maintain an healthy diabetic diet and make frequent trips to your healthcare provider.  Or learn how you can reverse the effects of diabetes by clicking here.