Diabeticheskaya neuropathy – Diabetic neuropathy – Damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes
Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage of Diabetes)
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage, associated with the presence of diabetes. This results in damage to the nerves in the legs, feet and eyes, and nerves, which control the functions of the organism, such as digestion, blood pressure and heart rate. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious complications, including the appearance of diabetic foot ulcers, infection and the loss of extremities.
Diabetic neuropathy – causes
Researchers believe, that diabetic neuropathy, probably, It is a combination of factors, including:
- Metabolic problems (eg, High blood glucose levels);
- Damage to blood vessels;
- Autoimmune factors;
- Genetic factors.
Risk factors for diabetic neuropathy
Factors, that may increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy include:
- Advanced age;
- Having diabetes for 25 years or more;
- Diabetes Type 2;
- High blood pressure;
- Lifestyle factors (eg, smoking, alcohol consumption);
- Obesity;
- Lack of exercise;
- Peripheral vascular disease;
- High cholesterol.
Diabetic neuropathy – symptoms
Symptoms may include diabetic neuropathy:
- Numbness in the extremities;
- Tingling in the extremities;
- Pain in the extremities;
- Reduced muscle mass of the legs or arms;
- Stomach upset;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Dizziness or fainting;
- Problems urinating;
- Impotence or vaginal dryness;
- Weakness in arms and legs;
- Weakness of the facial muscles, which leads to the omission of age, mouth, difficulty swallowing;
- Muscle cramps;
- Long-term feeling of fullness after eating, and / or abdominal pain;
- Heat intolerance, because of the deteriorating ability to sweat.
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you are at increased risk of developing other types of neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Other tests may include:
- Inspection and testing of the feet – to assess sensation in the foot;
- Nerve conduction study – checking for nervous activity;
- Rheotachygraphy;
- Quantitative sensory testing – use of incentives (eg, vibration) to check for neuropathy;
- Quantitative test caused sudomotornogo axon reflex – a test to evaluate the nerve supply of sweat glands;
- Tests HR – to determine heart rate izmenija;
- Ultrasound – to examine the internal organs;
- Biopsy – the selection of the sample of nerve or skin tissue for research.
Diabetic neuropathy – treatment
Methods for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy include:
Control of blood glucose levels
It is important to regularly monitor blood glucose levels. You can keep it in the normal mode with the right meal, exercise, and / or by drugs.
Chiropody
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you will need to pay special attention to the condition of feet. The nerves in the legs often suffer from neuropathy. Care should include regular visits to the doctor and careful cleaning, inspection, hydration and foot care. Besides, you should always wear comfortable shoes and thick, Soft, socks without seams, to protect your feet from injury.
Other treatments for diabetic neuropathy
Other treatments for diabetic neuropathy symptoms will depend on the. Medicine can be used, to ease the discomfort of pain, burning, tingling or numbness. Often medication, used for the treatment of these symptoms are the same, are used to treat depression, and convulsions. Another option is the treatment of pain is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Honest). This special machine sends painless electrical signals through the skin to nerves.
If you have gastrointestinal problems, changing diet and/or taking antibiotics will help to get rid of them. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Medication can help relieve dizziness and weakness. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction doctor may prescribe medication, and vaginal lubrication are recommended for the treatment of vaginal dryness.
Diabetic neuropathy – prevention
The best way to prevent diabetic neuropathy – regularly monitor and control the level of glucose in the blood. Your doctor will tell you, how often to check glucose levels and how to prevent its increase.
