Information about Diabetes and Neuropathy

Diabetes neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by high blood sugar associated with diabetes.  High blood sugar can cause chemical changes in the body’s nerves which make them unable to transmit messages.  It can also harm the blood vessels that carry oxygen and essential nutrients to the nerves.  

The following information is about diabetes neuropathy, but not all types of neuropathy are caused by diabetes. Non diabetic neuropathy can also be the result of disorders of the immune system, various infectious diseases, and deficiencies of certain nutrients.  

Knowing the facts about diabetes neuropathy can help you to identify warning signs and limit the damage this can do. The following information about diabetes and neuropathy covers some of the main types and symptoms.  

Types of diabetes neuropathy

Neuropathy caused by diabetes prevents information or impulses being transmitted by the nerves between the brain, spinal cord, muscles, blood vessels, skin and various organs. Here is some information about the four major types of diabetes neuropathy:

Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness or pain in the toes and feet, legs, hands and arms. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy and can cause diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Autonomic neuropathy causes problems with bowel and bladder functions, digestion, perspiration and sexual response.  It can damage the nerves that transmit information to the heart, and those used to control blood pressure.

Proximal neuropathy causes pain in hips, legs, buttocks and thighs and can lead to weakness and loss of feeling in the legs.

Focal neuropathy is a sudden weakness of a single nerve or nerve group that leads to abrupt muscle weakness or pain.  Any part of the body can be affected by this sudden change.         

Information on preventing diabetes neuropathy

Although all diabetics are at risk from neuropathy, the chances of developing this complication increase the longer you have  diabetes. Those who have suffered from diabetes for more than 25 years are most at risk from neuropathy and your doctor will provide you with further information about diabetes neuropathy at this stage.

The most effective way to prevent diabetes neuropathy is to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.  This means paying attention to your diet, taking regular exercise and ensuring you are taking your prescribed medicine properly.

Neurontin and diabetes neuropathy

If you are already suffering with diabetes neuropathy, you might want to ask your doctor for information about neurontin and diabetes.  Initially designed to control seizures in epilepsy sufferers, neurontin can be effective in treating diabetes neuropathy.  It helps to relieve diabetic neuropathy pain, improve your mood, assist sleep, and generally enhance your quality of life.

There have been some side effects reported in the use of neurontin, and diabetes sufferers should look out for these if they are prescribed this drug.  Side effects include slurred speech, excessive fatigue and some twitching.  Although neurontin is often used effectively in diabetic neuropathy treatment, some people find the side effects are too intense for them to continue to use it.            

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