From Diabetes to Neuropathy - You Can End the Cycle

Diabetic neuropathy is a well-known complication of long-standing diabetes. With diabetes affecting nearly one in twelve persons in the United States, diabetic neuropathy and its management become a significant healthcare concern.

The neuropathy of diabetes can have many forms based on clinical presentation and the pattern of nerve involvement. Some types are irreversible and continue to deteriorate, while others are self-limiting and improve on their own. Diabetic neuropathy may also involve autonomic nerves and present with manifestations like incontinence, erectile dysfunction, postural hypotension, diarrhoea or constipation and numerous others. More commonly it may present with pain, altered sensations or even weakness of muscles. Presentation is often variable and mixed with varying contribution from each type.

Almost all forms of diabetic neuropathy can be prevented by strict control of blood sugar levels. Although reversing all types of diabetic neuropathy may not always be possible, but in most of the cases, the progression can be halted or significantly slowed down by adequate therapeutic intervention. Central to the treatment is strict sugar control with the blood glucose in the desired range. It is essential that after being diagnosed with diabetes, you should realize that you can do a lot in preventing the various complications of diabetes mellitus.

Almost all long-term complications of diabetes like neuropathy, retinopathy, renal damage, etc. can be prevented, or at least their progression hastened if the affected person strictly follows the doctor recommended therapeutic guidelines. Therefore, you should religiously follow the strict blood sugar level control guidelines given to you by your physician. Regular checking of your blood sugar by portable devices also helps in monitoring the control of blood glucose. Furthermore, you should not skip your medications and insulin.

Always remember, if you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar is not being monitored or controlled, then quickly you will likely start developing the many of the complications of diabetes, and with someone has reduced blood sugar control, it is typically a vicious cycle with a downhill course. However, you can end this cycle by monitoring and keeping your blood sugar levels within the appropriate range. Lastly, it has been observed that diabetic patients who also smoke and drink alcohol are at higher risk of developing the neuropathy so, while it is a good idea for everyone to stop smoking and drink responsibly if you have been diagnosed as a person with diabetes you should avoid tobacco and alcohol even more so as it increases the likelihood of diabetic neuropathy.