Diabetes can have quite a few negative effects on the body due to the inability of a person to produce or respond properly to insulin. The resulting abnormal metabolism and elevated levels of glucose can often lead to diabetic neuropathy which is essentially nerve damage caused by the aforementioned. With proper care and monitoring the effects can be limited so as to provide as close to a normal life as possible, and it is for this reason that it is quite important that anyone dealing with this life struggle be equipped with the latest information concerning it.
The pain from diabetes and associated neuropathy can result from mild to severe and life threatening. One of the most common types of hurt can be pain and numbness in the extremities. This can also be known as peripheral neuropathy and it is one of the most common out of the four primary variations. In some instances, it can feel like the numbness that happens when one goes out into the cold without the proper attire like gloves and stockings. The result in some instances can be actual amputation due to the severity of issues in the feet. That is why many diabetic patients have podiatrists check out issues such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain.
Autonomic neuropathy is another common form which is the second of the four main varieties. The ANS (autonomic nervous system) is a mostly unconscious nervous system that controls many of the internal organs without any particular effort on the part of the patient. It is regulated by the hypothalamus for such functions as heart regulation, intestinal action and stomach processing. If nerve pain and damage begins to affect this system, then there can eventually quite a bit of internal damage that may not be noticed until it is quite severe. Side effects can range from urinary tract infections to an increased resting heart rate, erectile dysfunction and much more. It is vital that diabetics receive regular medical reviews to ensure that they are not suffering from some of these hidden dangers.
The radiculoplexus variety of this nerve problem is the third of the four main varieties. This type affects the nerves in the lower body region such as thighs, hips, buttocks and legs. Type 2 diabetics are most likely to suffer from this type of problem than other types of diabetics. One side of the body is usually affected more than the other and conditions may worsen before a person with sugar problems is eventually able to find relief. However, it is most common for this type of illness to regress so that less complications are dealt with and the lifestyle can return to some semblance of normality. Some of the more common indicators of radiculoplexus are sudden and sever pain in the lower body regions mentioned as well as difficulty rising from a sitting or lying position. Abdominal swelling and generalized weight loss are also good indicators that this may be a problem.
Finally, there is mononeuropathy which is damage to a specific nerve, hence word fragment mono which means one in this usage case. This will be most common in older diabetics and can cause severe pain in and near the affected area. Fortunately, there are usually no long-term debilitating problems from this single nerve damage as there might be with the other varieties. Some of the common types of this include paralysis on one side of the face, pain in the lower back or pelvis, pain in the chest or abdomen, and pain in the shin or foot.
Due to all of the above possible scenarios, it is important that any issues are taken to a physician as soon as possible so that they do not expand into more serious cases. If untreated then irreversible damage to nerves and blood vessels could leave a patient with no real alternatives but to continue to deal with the pain and complications. Smoking and alcohol abuse will only worsen things further, so it is very critical that anyone suffering find a way to wean themselves off of these recreational drugs. Even those without blood sugar regulation problems should understand that these substances can cause a great deal of harm in themselves and are best avoided in all instances.
If you’re suffering from diabetic related pain, please consult your doctor or a local Michigan pain physician to see what options are currently available.