Am I At The Risk For Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes, usually because of long-term high blood sugar levels. It primarily affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can be focal, peripheral, proximal and autonomic. Symptoms may include tingling in feet and hands, sharp burning pain, numbness, difficulty walking, very hot or very cold sensations, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, hypersensitivity, digestion issues, vision problems, balance problems etc. Complications like severe foot infection, loss of a toe or an entire foot, bone and tissue death, urinary incontinence. Risk factors include poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. Management typically involves lowering your blood sugar, treating nerve pain and regularly checking your feet to make sure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection and medications.