Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes in which high blood sugar levels damage nerves. People with diabetes commonly develop temporary or permanent damage to nerve tissue. Nerve damages are caused by decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels. Damages are more likely to develop if blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Not all people with diabetes are certain to develop nerve damage. On average, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy will begin ten to twenty years after the diabetes diagnosis. Approximately 50% of individuals with diabetes will develop nerve damage. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramps, and other similar symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected and usually develop gradually over the years. The treatment of diabetic neuropathy is used to prevent the disease from getting wose and to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The treatment consists of tight control of blood sugar and medication to reduce the symptoms in the feet, legs, and arms.