Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main complications of diabetes. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of the nerves, decreasing sensitivity in various parts of the body, such as the feet, and, therefore, patients can develop wounds without realizing their presence, resulting in infections., for example.
Generally, diabetic neuropathy is more common in people who are not adequately treated for diabetes, often with high blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy has no cure, but its evolution can be controlled with the use of drugs to control blood sugar levels.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy should be guided by an endocrinologist and is usually done with the control of blood sugar levels through the use of insulin injections or intake of oral antidiabetics, such as Glipizide or Metformin, for example.
In addition, it is recommended that the patient do regular exercise and maintain a balanced diet, avoiding foods with a lot of sugar such as cookies, soft drinks or cakes. Check out how to diet for diabetes.
In the most severe cases, the doctor may also prescribe the use of medicines for diabetic neuropathy, such as Pregabalin, Amitriptyline or Gabapentin, according to the patient's symptoms. Learn more about treatment for neuropathic pain.
Main symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy develops slowly and can go undetected until more severe symptoms appear. Symptoms vary according to the type of neuropathy, with the following types:
- Peripheral neuropathy: This type of neuropathy is characterized by the involvement of peripheral nerves, leading to the sensation of pain in the fingers or toes, for example; Autonomic neuropathy: In this type there is an involvement of the Autonomic Nervous System, which results in cardiac, pulmonary, intestinal and urinary alterations, since this nervous system is related to bladder control; Proximal neuropathy or diabetic amyotrophy: In proximal neuropathy, the thigh, leg and hip are affected, for example, being more common in older people; Focal neuropathy or mononeuropathy: In this type of neuropathy, only one nerve is affected, as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, for example, in which only the median nerve, which passes through the wrist and nerves in the hands, is affected. Learn more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Thus, the diabetic person with neuropathy may experience decreased sensitivity in some parts of the body or increased sensitivity to stimuli that normally do not cause pain, such as putting on clothes or touching someone. In addition, there may be a burning sensation, burning sensation, tingling. The pain of diabetic neuropathy can be constant and very intense depending on the affected nerves.
