If you have been wondering, “what is diabetic peripheral neuropathy,” you have come to the right place. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a nervous system disorder that occurs when the peripheral nerves in the body are negatively affected by poor control of blood sugar. In order to better understand peripheral diabetic neuropathy, it is important to understand diabetes mellitus.
There are two primary types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce a sufficient amount of insulin to metabolize blood sugar properly. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the fat and muscle cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone assists the cells in the body with absorbing and metabolizing blood sugar properly. When this does not occur, blood sugar levels increase dramatically and can cause serious complications and injuries to all body systems, which can lead to death if the condition goes untreated.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy begins when blood sugar is not being controlled well and it starts affecting the nervous system. This leads to numbness and decreased feeling in the limbs, as well as poor circulation to the feet, legs, hands, and arms.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the most common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is muscle weakness. Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms include cramps, uncontrollable muscle twitching under the skin, bone degeneration, muscle loss, and changes in the nails, hair, and skin. Other symptoms can include cold hands and feet, decreased sensation, numbness, tingling, and sores.
If you are having any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately. Effective treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the best way to prevent serious complications, which can include amputation and death.
Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
You may be interested in knowing that according to the National Diabetes Association, more than 60% of those diagnosed with diabetes end up with mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy due to poorly controlled diabetes.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatment is most effective when the symptoms are recognized early and diabetes is controlled well. The best way to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy is to prevent it. Prevention is the best medicine. It is important to examine your legs, feet, arms, and hands every day and if you have any cuts or sores, contact your physician immediately. The best way to prevent horrible infections and amputation is to avoid getting an infection in the first place.
You can live a healthy and happy life with diabetes. In order to do this, you must monitor your blood sugar and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
