Neuropathies Associated with Diabetes

Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathies at Washington Township Medical Foundation

Diabetic neuropathies describe a group of nerve disorders associated with diabetes. Over the course of time, due to high levels of fat and glucose in the blood, an individual with diabetes can present significant nerve damage.

Diabetes-related nerve damage is most likely due to a number of factors associated with the condition working together in combination. These factors may include:

• Metabolic factors, including high blood glucose, irregularly high blood fat levels, and low insulin levels
• Neurovascular factors, damaging blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the nerves
• Autoimmune factors causing nerve inflammation
• Genetic traits
• Mechanical nerve injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome

Types of Diabetic Neuropathies

There are several different types of diabetic neuropathies, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy, affecting the extremities including toes, fingers, legs, arms, and hands
• Automatic neuropathy, affecting sexual function, perspiration, digestion, bowel / bladder function, and more
• Focal neuropathy, causing weakness or pain in the muscles in any part of the body
• Proximal neuropathy, affecting the buttocks, thighs, legs, and / or hips

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

In some cases, nerve damage does not present any symptoms. Others may feel initial numb or tingling sensations. Nerve damage can progress over a long period of time—for some patients, it may go unnoticed for years. In other cases, symptoms present themselves quickly and suddenly.

Some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathies can be surprising, and may include:

• Muscles diminishing in hands / feet
• Numbness or pain in extremities
• Diarrhea / constipation
• Urinary problems
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Erectile dysfunction for men
• Vaginal dryness for women
• Overall feelings of weakness

Our endocrinology team at Washington Township Medical Foundation provides advanced, comprehensive care for patients with diabetes. This includes treatment for diabetic neuropathies. Treatment options include pain relief, as well as treatment for individual symptoms caused by these conditions such as gastrointestinal issues and sexual dysfunction. Visit our Fremont facility to learn more about our diabetes care and support services at Washington Township Medical Foundation.