Diabetic Neuropathy – A Dangerous Complication!
Thanks to lifestyle vices, diabetes has reached epidemic proportion in many countries. Severe and deadly as it is, diabetes gives rise to a number of even deadlier complications. Diabetic neuropathy, one such complication, is capable of turning the patient into a vegetable, and even causing a fatality. This disease attacks the nervous system, effectively deactivating the patient's ability to sense and respond to his surrounding, and, more importantly, to control his body's functioning.
This article aims to inform you of this serious condition. The information will prove useful in preventing this condition, and, in case you do have it, in remedying it. We shall cover the basics of diabetic neuropathy, its symptoms, and the various treatments that can cure it.
Diabetic neuropathy occurs in three forms: focal, peripheral, and autonomic. Focal neuropathy affects the nerves on an individual basis. Generally, but not exclusively, the nerves of the lower limbs are affected. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy affects the entire network of nerves comprising the peripheral nervous system. Autonomic diabetic neuropathy damages the nerves of the autonomic nervous system.
The predominant symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are given here for your information.
Temperature fluctuations, ranging from shivering to profuse sweating, and, sometimes, very rarely, even a simultaneous occurrence of both.
The patient faces uncontrollable urges to urinate suddenly. The same effect may apply to bowel movement but to a lesser extent.
The patient suffers from episodes of belching or flatulence or vomiting.
Sex-related problems, reducing the patient's sexual functionality.
The patient's circulatory system is affected, with episodes of palpitations, breathlessness, and poor circulation.
Since the nervous system is damaged, the patient may not be aware of wounds, cuts, and bites. He may not feel a rat nibbling at his feet. Wounds and sores on his back or the soles of his feet may go untended only because he can't feel their pain. This is potentially dangerous. What if he gets a severe cut on his foot and he bleeds away without realizing it?
Diabetic neuropathy can be cured only when the underlying diabetes is cured. In the meanwhile, the patient can get relief from the problems associated with diabetic neuropathy in a number of ways.
The patient's blood glucose should be closely monitored to prevent it from rising out of control and aggravating diabetic neuropathy. Medications for specific symptomatic problems can be availed of. Intolerable pain can be relieved with pain relievers. Sexual disorders can be treated using topical creams and lubricants. The patient should be regular in taking the treatment prescribed by a qualified physician. Diabetic neuropathy can be fatal! Take heed of the warning and make use of the information contained in this article, and diabetic neuropathy will surely recede into the past!