There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy. The diabetic neuropathy symptoms vary in each, although some symptoms are common in several types. Diabetic neuropathy symptoms develop gradually. Usually people do not notice symptoms until permanent damage has already occurred, and in some patients, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are the first signal that they even have diabetes. The four main types of diabetic neuropathy are as follows:

Peripheral neuropathy – this is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It starts by affecting the longest nerves and the very ends of the nerves. So, feet and legs are affected first, and then your legs and arms.

Autonomic neuropathy – This affects the nerves that control your heart, bladder, lungs, stomach, intestines, sex organs and eyes. This type normally affects people who have had diabetes for a long period of time and have poorly managed it.

Radiculoplexus neuropathy – this type affects the nerves that are close to the hips or shoulders. The legs, arms, and abdomen may also be affected. In this type of neuropathy, the nerves that are affected on one side are usually affected on the other side as well.

Mononueropathy – this is damage to only one nerve. It can cause severe pain, but normally does not last over a few weeks or months. Mononeuropathy is most common in older adult.

 

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

 

One reason why diabetics must check for sores on their feet daily is because symptoms of diabetic neuropathy don’t always appear until it is too late. In other words, the onset of signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can be so gradual that you do not even know that you have lost feeling.

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication found in diabetes. About 60-70% of diabetics eventually develop peripheral neuropathy. Yet, studies have shown that this condition can be prevented by keeping blood sugar levels on target as much as possible. Major diabetic neuropathy symptoms include numbness, pain, and loss of sensation in your legs, feet, and hands. Early diabetic neuropathy symptoms of this type also include:

  • Pins and needle sensations
  • Prickling
  • Burning
  • Cold
  • Pinch
  • Sharp pains
  • Deep stabbing pains

 

Overtime this does get worse. Symptoms begin worse at night, and people describe extreme pain with touch. Even just laying a bed sheet over their feet can be excruciatingly painful. Muscle weakness also occurs because the nerves are unable to tell the muscles how to move. Therefore, just getting out of a chair or holding something in your hands can be difficult. This also brings about balance and coordination problems in a patient.