Diabetic Neuropathy

For those with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy is a common complication. In fact, research shows that as much as 28% of those with diabetes in the U.S. are impacted by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and that throughout one’s lifetime, about 50% of people with diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy. 

For those living with diabetic neuropathy, the impact on quality of life can be profound – and the condition often manifests as painful sensations, numbness, and loss of sensation in the extremities, particularly the feet and legs. 

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It is typically caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that injure nerves throughout the body.

The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which typically affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of sensation.

There are several other types of diabetic neuropathy, including:

• Autonomic neuropathy, which affects nerves controlling internal organs
• Focal neuropathy, damaging specific nerves, often in the hand, head, torso, or legs
• Proximal neuropathy, causing pain in the hips, buttocks, or thighs 

While the exact causes behind diabetic neuropathy remain unknown, a handful of factors play a role in its development. Prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels and metabolic factors plays a crucial role. Inflammation and oxidative stress are also possible causes, as well as vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use, and smoking.

Each form of diabetic neuropathy presents with its own symptoms. While these symptoms can vary from person-to-person, some common issues can be expected with each type.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, known as the peripheral nervous system. This type of diabetic neuropathy occurs when these nerves are damaged, leading to impaired communication between the central nervous system and other parts of the body. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Balance problems
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness and tingling
• Loss of sensations

Autonomic Neuropathy 

Autonomic neuropathy is another type of nerve damage that affects the nerves controlling involuntary bodily functions. These functions occur automatically without conscious effort, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control. Common symptoms of this form of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Digestive issues
• Cardiovascular problems 
• Urinary dysfunction
• Sexual difficulties

Proximal Neuropathy (Diabetic Polyradiculopathy) 

Proximal neuropathy is also a rare type of nerve damage that primarily affects people with type 2 diabetes. While other forms of diabetic neuropathy affect involuntary functions or the peripheral nervous system, this form of neuropathy typically impacts the nerves in the hip, buttock, thigh, and leg areas. As such, symptoms of proximal neuropathy commonly include issues in those areas such as:

• Changes in sensation
• Loss of reflex
• Muscle loss
• Sudden and severe pain 

Mononeuropathy (Focal Neuropathy) 

While the other forms of diabetic neuropathy involve damage to multiple nerves, mononeuropathy is characterized by damage or dysfunction of a single nerve. This typically occurs when a single nerve becomes entrapped or compressed due to trauma. Some symptoms of mononeuropathy include:

• Involuntary muscle twitching or cramping in the area of the affected nerve
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the area of the affected nerve
• Pain in the area connected to the affected nerve
• Paralysis in a single area affected by the damaged nerve

The specific causes of diabetic neuropathy can vary for each type. However, high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes are the common culprit of diabetic neuropathy. Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and vitamin B12 deficiency are some other common contributing risk factors.

While these are common causes, however, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood for all types of diabetic neuropathy. For this reason, a person with diabetes needs to manage proper blood sugar levels to prevent or reduce any symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Surgical interventions for diabetic neuropathy are less common than medical and lifestyle treatments, but they may be considered in certain circumstances. One surgical approach is nerve decompression surgery, which aims to relieve pressure on nerves damaged or compressed due to changes in blood vessels or surrounding tissue. 

Another category of surgical treatment involves correcting foot deformities or issues that arise from neuropathy. This might include procedures to stabilize or realign bones, treat chronic ulcers, or address conditions like Charcot foot—a serious complication in which weakening bones in the foot can fracture and change shape. These reconstructive surgeries can help restore more normal foot structure, improve biomechanics, and reduce the risk of infections or amputations.

If you’re ready to explore your options for treating diabetic neuropathy, call 855-980-6981 or schedule a consultation with The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction online today.