Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication for long-term Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It affects the nerves of the body. There is no cure for neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that control the bladder, digestive and reproductive organs.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves of the extremities, especially the feet and legs. Numbness and tingling, sensitivity to touch or the weakness of the muscles are signs of neuropathy.

Symptoms include chronic pain, numbness and muscle atrophy. Wounds and ulcers are also a serious threat.

Neuropathy, or of damage to the nervous system, can have many causes.

An injury or exposure to toxins can affect the nerves. Several chronic diseases may also affect the integrity of the nerves over a long period of time. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and other disorders such as autoimmune diseases can cause damage to the nerves. But diabetes today is the greatest risk factor for neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes, which means generally several years for neuropathy develop long term. Nerve damage occurs over time, due to prolonged exposure to the harmful effects of high blood glucose levels. More a person has diabetes, the risk of developing neuropathy, especially if their disease is not well controlled.

Control of blood glucose good, a balanced diet and exercise plan to help repel the neuropathy. But sometimes, as in Type 1, does any how tight control, how balanced what year a person gets or diet, neuropathy can attack - simply because of the pure duration of the person has had diabetes. In addition, several times, the people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes don't even know that they have the disease for many years. Much damage can occur during this period.

Mild to moderate pain, Tylenol or NSAIDs, such as Motrin or Aleve can be prescribed. Some of the most common drugs for neuropathic pain include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAS) such as Elavil and Amitril. When TCAs are used to treat chronic pain, the dosage is much lower than for the treatment of depression. Cymbalta (Duloxetine hydrochloride) is an SSRI, another type of antidepressant drug that shows success for the treatment of neuropathic pain and any underlying depression may also exist.

Sometimes neuropathy responds well to treatment of pain, or it may get worse. For some people, it can lead to a severe disability. If it is hard to walk, or if the muscles are weak, it is difficult to perform activities of daily life. Try to pace. Plan activities in advance, so that you know what to expect. Do not try to do everything in a single day. Request assistance or support of family and friends. Talk to a counsellor or a therapist can help with feelings of depression or anxiety.