Signs of Neuropathy

What Do You Need to Know?

Neuropathy refers to disorders of the nerves. There are many causes of neuropathy, one of which is diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugars can put you at higher risk for developing neuropathy. Having diabetes for many years also can increase your risk. It's important to keep your blood glucose levels as near normal as possible to help prevent neuropathy.

There are two kinds of neuropathy that usually affect people with diabetes:

Autonomic neuropathy, which usually involves the digestive tract, urinary tract, heart, and reproductive organs.

Symptoms to look out for include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Blood pressure changes
• Urinary incontinence
• Heat intolerance
• Male impotence

Peripheral neuropathy, which affects the extremities, such as hands, legs and feet.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Loss of muscle control

People who already have diabetic neuropathy should have their doctors inspect their feet regularly.

_{(2008, Sept. 25). Autonomic neuropathy. Retrieved June 30, 2009, from Medline Plus Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000776.htm}

(2008, Sept. 11). Peripheral neuropathy. Retrieved June 30, 2009, from Medline Plus Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000593.htm