Is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous?

27 Aug Is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous?

Posted at 20:21h in English by admin

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, especially in cases where blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. It can lead to nerve problems in various parts of the body. In the following article, Dr. Amir Malkawi, a vascular surgery consultant, explains the seriousness of this condition among diabetic patients.

Is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous?

Yes, diabetic neuropathy can be serious in severe cases of the disease. However, early diagnosis and receiving appropriate healthcare can prevent disease progression and mitigate many associated health complications.

Complications of Diabetic Neuropathy

There are several serious health complications that may develop due to this condition and lack of proper treatment. These complications include:

Loss of sensation of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar below 70 mg/dL, causes symptoms such as trembling, increased heart rate, and sweating. This prompts affected individuals to take appropriate measures to raise blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic coma. However, this condition may prevent diabetic patients from feeling these symptoms.

Low blood pressure

Nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy patients may lead to the body losing its ability to regulate blood pressure, potentially causing severe drops in blood pressure.

Sweating disorders

This condition can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to excessive sweating or reduced sweating, and consequently causing some health problems.

Digestive disorders

Nerve damage in the digestive system can lead to constipation, nighttime diarrhea, and gastric motility disorders, resulting in nausea, vomiting, or bloating.

Vision changes

Some individuals may experience vision changes due to diabetic neuropathy, caused by impaired blood flow to the retina. This may result in double vision or difficulty seeing at night, among other vision disorders.

Foot ulcers and foot amputation

Reduced sensation in the feet and limbs in diabetic neuropathy patients increases the risk of foot injuries and ulcers. In severe cases, this may necessitate amputation of the affected foot.

Tingling, burning, and muscle tightness

One of the initial complications that may follow this condition is due to damage to the small nerves in the extremities, leading to sensations of burning and tingling in the limbs and feet. Affected individuals may also experience muscle tightness and frequent muscle cramps in the extremities.

Inability to sleep or walk

In severe cases of this condition, individuals may experience severe pain that hinders their ability to walk and perform daily activities. It may also lead to difficulty sleeping due to pain.

Sexual Disorders

Nerves responsible for genital organs may be damaged, leading to reduced sexual arousal or difficulty achieving sexual climax in women affected by the disease. There may also be decreased vaginal secretions that assist in intercourse, resulting in vaginal dryness. For men, the disease may lead to erectile dysfunction.

Bladder Disorders

Nerves responsible for the bladder may be damaged, resulting in urinary incontinence or incomplete bladder emptying, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all diabetes patients suffer from this condition?

No, there are many cases where diabetes patients do not suffer from diabetic neuropathy provided they adhere to the treatment plan recommended by their doctor to control blood sugar levels.

Is this condition be cured?

Some lifestyle changes and medications can prevent the progression of diabetic neuropathy and manage the disease, but the nerve damage that has occurred cannot be reversed.

References:

[1]-https://www.pacehospital.com/diabetic-neuropathy-causes-symptoms-complications-and-treatment

[2]-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580

[3]-https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/diabetic-neuropathy.html