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.
© Copyright 2007 -
www.sugardiabetes.net - Information about
Diabetes
|