Diabetic neuropathies are called a group of nervous disorders that are caused by diabetes. Over time, individuals with diabetes can develop nerve damage throughout the body. There may be patients who have nerve damage but who nevertheless do not present symptoms, but there are cases where symptoms such as pain, tingling or numbness of the extremities, arms, legs and feet may occur.
Nerve disorders can occur in any organ system, including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs. It should be noted that this is considered the most common complication of diabetes, affecting more than 50% of patients after 20 years of evolution depending on the severity and duration of hyperglycemia.
The causes of diabetic neuropathy may be different depending on the types of diabetic neuropathy. Experts are currently studying how prolonged exposure to high levels of glucose causes nerve damage. However, experts agree the fact that the causes of the damage nervous be a combination of various elements, among which may include the following:
- Metabolic elements, such as high blood glucose, prolonged diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, and low insulin levels.
- Neurovascular factors, these generate damage to the blood vessels that are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
- Autoimmune elements are those that generate inflammation of the nerves.
- Mechanical injuries to the nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Hereditary traits, which can increase susceptibility to nerve damage.
Symptoms often appear slowly over the years. The types of symptoms depend on the nerves that will be affected.
The nerves that are generally most frequently affected are those in the feet and legs. In this case, symptoms usually start in the toes and feet, and may include tingling or burning, or severe pain. As time passes, nerve damage in the fingers and hands may also develop. Over the years and at the same time that the damage increases, the affected person will probably lose feeling in the feet and legs.
