Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. People with diabetes can, over time, have damage to nerves throughout the body.

Neuropathy can lead to numbness, pain and/or weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Problems may also occur in the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs. While those with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, the risk grows steadily over the years.

An estimated 50 percent of those with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. The highest rates are seen among people who have had the disease for at least 25 years.

Not everyone with neuropathy has symptoms. The disease also appears to be more common in people with the following characteristics:

Trouble controlling blood glucose levels
High levels of blood fat and blood pressure
Overweight people
People over the age of 40.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathies can be classified as peripheral, autonomic, proximal, or focal. Each affects different parts of the body in different ways:

Peripheral neuropathy, also called distal symmetric neuropathy, is the most common. Peripheral neuropathy causes either pain or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms.
Autonomic neuropathy causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration. It can also affect the nerves that serve the heart and control blood pressure. Autonomic neuropathy can also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) unawareness, a condition in which people no longer experience the warning signs of hypoglycemia.
Proximal neuropathy causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks and leads to weakness in the legs.
Focal neuropathy results in the sudden weakness of one nerve, or a group of nerves, causing muscle weakness or pain. Any nerve in the body may be affected.

Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of neuropathy and which nerves are affected.

While some people have no symptoms at all, numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the feet is a common first sign. Symptoms are often minor initially and mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. In some people, mainly those with focal neuropathy, the onset of pain may be sudden and severe.

Symptoms include:

Numbness, tingling, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers
Muscle atrophy in the feet or hands
Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Dizziness or fainting due to a drop in blood pressure
Urination problems
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) or vaginal dryness
Muscle weakness

While neuropathy can result in numbness and tingling, it can also cause varying levels of pain, burning sensation, and cramps.

The Good News Is...
The pain brought on by diabetic neuropathy is treatable and getting help for pain early on can make your overall treatment more effective and more tolerable.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medication exactly where it will result in maximum relief.

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040