Diabetic neuropathy: What you need to know

Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by damage to the nerves, which occurs due to elevated glucose in the blood. When blood sugar is high, it can damage nerves in the whole body, but the nerves in the upper and lower limbs are most noticeably affected.
Diabetic neuropathy is divided into two main groups namely peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy: affects nerves that sense heat, cold, and pain. Motor nerves stimulate muscle movement. Autonomic neuropathy: autonomic nerves control automatic activities such as heartbeat, activities of stomach, intestines, urinary system, ... thus affecting heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and swallowing activity, erection in men.

In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are metabolized in a different way than normal. This metabolism produces a number of substances such as sorbitol, fructose that disrupt the normal structure of nerve fiber cells. Moreover, high blood sugar will lead to the formation of many free radicals, which damage small blood vessels, causing lack of blood to nourish nerve cells.
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Most people over 60 with type 2 diabetes have peripheral neuropathy.

The main cause of diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves and blood vessels. High blood sugar damages the nerve sheath and reduces nerve conduction velocity. In addition, the small blood vessels that nourish nerves are damaged, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, leading to nerve damage.
Other factors that damage diabetic nerves include:
Neuroinflammation caused by an autoimmune reaction: occurs when the body's immune system mistakes the nerve for a foreign object and attacks it. nerve work. Genetic factors

Using stimulants such as smoking, alcohol,... Long time with diabetes: the longer the time, the higher the risk of neurological disease. Peripheral neuropathy is common in patients with diabetes for 25 years or more. Chronic kidney disease: high levels of toxins in the blood will damage nerves

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are divided into 3 main disorders:
Sensory neuropathy: affects the nerves that carry sensations like pain, heat, cold,... Mainly affects in the nerves in the legs and arms. The patient feels numb, can't feel pain, heat, cold, touch objects, can't coordinate the movement of the joint due to not being aware of the position of the joint. The patient's feet are most at risk because they do not realize that the object is stuck in the foot, and can cause infection and ulcer formation. Autonomic dysfunction: symptoms related to the stomach, intestines, ... Therefore, the patient will feel flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Neuromotor disorders: causing muscle weakness, reduced movement in the extremities. Typical symptoms include difficulty walking and falling easily. Daily activities with the use of hands also cause difficulties. May cause muscle spasms and cramps.

To diagnose neurological complications of diabetes, the patient may be prescribed a blood test to check the blood sugar index.
In addition, to evaluate the disorders, the patient needs to do an electrocardiogram to evaluate cardiac arrhythmias, or an electromyogram to evaluate movement disorders, and a gastroscopy to diagnose complications of gastroesophageal palsy. ,...

Treatment of diabetic neuropathy should slow the progression of the disease, and reduce the painful symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Some classes of drugs such as opioid pain relievers, antidepressants, or B vitamins.
The patient may be instructed in exercise programs to maintain muscle strength and balance in the body. transfer.
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the complications leading to neurological disorders in diabetic patients. To prevent diabetic neuropathy, it is important to quit smoking. Periodic examination to control blood sugar, and early detection of complications for timely intervention.
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