Peripheral nerves are an important part of the nervous system, which connects the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, to various parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and internal organs. These nerves help pass on signals to and from the CNS, facilitating muscle control, sensory perception, and autonomic functions, such as heart rate and digestion. Damage to these nerves can result in conditions like peripheral neuropathy, which can in turn affect sensation and muscle control in the extremities, including hands and feet.
Diabetes is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy and in this article, Dr Jigar Haria, Professor of General Medicine, TMU University, will help us understand everything about it.
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What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Nerve damage caused by diabetes is known as diabetic neuropathy. According to Dr Haria, diabetes can cause direct damage to the peripheral nerves through high blood glucose levels via changes in the cellular components of the nerves.
“It can also cause damage to the small blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the nerves causing their damage,” he said, adding, “In the long term, the peripheral nerves get damaged and are unable to function properly causing diabetic neuropathy.”
Currently, about 42.2 crore people worldwide have diabetes, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). The global health body adds that 10.5 lakh deaths occur directly due to diabetes each year.
The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is said to be between 6-51% among adults with diabetes based on their age, duration of diabetes, glucose control, and type 1 versus type 2 diabetes, says a study published in the Journal Current Diabetes Reports.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Some of the common warning signs of diabetic neuropathy include:
- Tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the hand, feet, fingers, or toes
- Pain, cramps, weakness in the limbs
- Decreased ability to feel pain
- Sharp needle-like pain
Also Read: Know The Risk Factors Of Type 2 Diabetes From An Expert
Diagnosis And Treatment
Dr Haria said, “Diabetic patients can undergo tests like bio-aesthesiometer, and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) tests of limbs to diagnose neuropathy.”
Other specific tests that help diagnose diabetic neuropathy include filament, sensory testing, electromyography, and autonomic testing, as per the Mayo Clinic.
According to him, treatment mainly involves good control of blood sugar, and blood pressure along with the use of some medications like gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline, and duloxetine to control symptoms. Neuro-vitamins like vitamins B6, and B12, and nutrients like benfotiamine, and alpha lipoic acid are also useful as adjuncts, he said. However, it is important to note that accurate diagnosis and effective treatment can only be provided by a doctor or a medical professional. Avoid self-medicating yourself without the guidance of an expert.