Neuropathies Associated with Diabetes
Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathies at Washington Township Medical Foundation
Diabetic neuropathies describe a group of nerve disorders associated with
diabetes. Over the course of time, due to high levels of fat and glucose
in the blood, an individual with diabetes can present significant nerve damage.
Diabetes-related nerve damage is most likely due to a number of factors
associated with the condition working together in combination. These factors
may include:
- Metabolic factors, including high blood glucose, irregularly high blood
fat levels, and low insulin levels
- Neurovascular factors, damaging blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients
to the nerves
- Autoimmune factors causing nerve inflammation
- Genetic traits
- Mechanical nerve injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome
Types of Diabetic Neuropathies
There are several different types of diabetic neuropathies, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy, affecting the extremities including toes, fingers,
legs, arms, and hands
- Automatic neuropathy, affecting sexual function, perspiration, digestion,
bowel / bladder function, and more
- Focal neuropathy, causing weakness or pain in the muscles in any part of the body
- Proximal neuropathy, affecting the buttocks, thighs, legs, and / or hips
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
In some cases, nerve damage does not present any symptoms. Others may feel
initial numb or tingling sensations. Nerve damage can progress over a
long period of time—for some patients, it may go unnoticed for years.
In other cases, symptoms present themselves quickly and suddenly.
Some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathies can be surprising, and may include:
- Muscles diminishing in hands / feet
- Numbness or pain in extremities
- Diarrhea / constipation
- Urinary problems
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Erectile dysfunction for men
- Vaginal dryness for women
- Overall feelings of weakness
Our
endocrinology team at Washington Township Medical Foundation provides advanced, comprehensive
care for patients with diabetes. This includes treatment for diabetic
neuropathies. Treatment options include pain relief, as well as treatment
for individual symptoms caused by these conditions such as gastrointestinal
issues and sexual dysfunction. Visit our Fremont facility to learn more
about our diabetes care and support services at Washington Township Medical
Foundation.