Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms- An OverviewIn the initial stages at least, diabetic neuropathy symptoms are not noticeable. This is especially true of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, patients of diabetes need to have checkups at regular intervals so that the presence of the signs of neuropathy is noticed early; and condition is treated before it becomes alarming for the patient. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy differ based on the type of neuropathy. Their various types include peripheral, autonomic, and focal neuropathies. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms have a tendency to develop over a period of some months or years. The symptoms may include numbness, tightness, shooting, burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the feet, hands, or other parts of the body. Deformities in bones and joints of the feet can develop. Besides these symptoms, reduced sensation or numbness may be there in feet. Chapped skin, dryness of the skin, or broken skin of the feet are some of the other symptoms. Some patients may also be afflicted by calluses, ingrown toenails, or blisters on the skin of their feet. Foot and leg sores are to be found in patients who have had diabetes for at least 10 years. This is because of complications caused due to poor blood sugar management or those due to kidney, eye, or blood vessel related complications. In some patients amputation may be necessitated. Other symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy include either greatly increased sensitivity to light, temperature or touch, or reduced sensitivity to them. Another symptom is loss of balance, coordination, and weakness. Symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may become more severe during pregnancy. Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include frequent bloating, constipation, vomiting and nausea, heartburn, belching, and abdominal pain. Gastroparesis may be indicated. It is a condition in which the stomach empties far more slowly than is normal. Other symptoms include sweating of the face, torso, or neck either while eating certain foods or at night. In contrast with the above, some patients may have reduced sweating in their legs or feet. Some patients can have difficulty in completely emptying the bladder. Others may not be in a position to properly sense as to when their bladder has become completely full. Vaginal dryness in women patients and erection related issues in men can also be symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. Some patients may feel dizzy, weak, or have fainting sensation while they attempt to stand up or sit down. Some patients of autonomic neuropathy have difficulty knowing when their blood sugar becomes low. The symptoms of focal neuropathy often appear quite suddenly. They include motor related issues, pain, or weakness in a specific area of the body. Generally, these symptoms are found in the thigh, foot, or wrist. Pain and soreness are felt if a nerve is compressed or pinched. Nerves that control the eye muscles can be sometimes affected due to focal neuropathy. A doctor initiates the treatment only after he identifies the type of neuropathy based on the diabetic neuropathy symptoms and certain tests. |