Sensory diabetic neuropathy


Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a health condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Sugar in the body is normally processed by a hormone called insulin that is secreted by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for removing the sugar from the blood and making it available for the cells.

In people with diabetes, the aforementioned process doesn’t work properly. This usually happens when the body stops producing insulin or the cells become resistant to the action of this hormone. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing heart diseases, stroke and nerve problems.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

NEUROPATHY painPeople with diabetes sometimes develop nerve damage as a secondary complication. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. People with diabetes develop nerve problems due to the high blood sugar levels in the body damaging nerves.

Nerve communication in neuropathy is usually disrupted in the following ways:

  • By loss of signal
  • Transmission of inappropriate signals
  • Distortion of signals

There are four types of diabetic neuropathies and these include:

Peripheral neuropathy

In this type, the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord) are damaged. This includes

  • Sensory nerves 
  • Motor nerves
  • Autonomic nerves

Some symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include

  • Numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands
  • Sharp, jabbing or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Lack of coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Paralysis (if motor nerves are affected)

The presence of high blood glucose and high levels of cholesterol such as triglycerides tend to damage the blood vessels and the connecting nerves.  One of the biggest problems associated with peripheral neuropathy is the loss of feeling in the foot.  Once you have lost feeling in your foot, it becomes quite difficult to know if your foot is affected by any cuts or wounds.  Since the sugar levels are already high, it becomes highly difficult to heal these cuts and wounds.

Loss of sensation can also result in a change of foot shape which is noticed in people suffering from Charcot’s foot.  There is a high possibility of a loss of balance due to this condition which causes trauma to the head as well.

Peripheral neuropathy is tested by performing the following tests.  This includes checking for sensation by placing a tuning fork close to the feet, touching different parts of the leg with the help of nylon strand to assess for sensation, monitoring gait, and checking for balance.

Autonomic neuropathy

This type of neuropathy occurs when the nerves of the autonomic nervous system are damaged. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling the involuntary bodily functions such as respiration, the beating of the heart, digestion and sexual arousal. Depending on the nerves affected, symptoms of autonomic neuropathy may include

  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Urinary problems
  • Sexual problems
  • Difficulty digesting food
  • Inability to recognizelow blood sugar
  • Sweating abnormalities
  • Sluggish pupil reaction
  • Exercise intolerance

One of the biggest problems associated with autonomic neuropathy includes unawareness of hypoglycemia (low blood pressure).  Generally, when a person is affected with hypoglycemia, symptoms of lethargy, jitteriness, confusion, etc are experienced.

In the case of autonomic neuropathy, these symptoms are either not felt or felt very slowly when the condition has further worsened.  This can cause serious damage to various organs and lead to several complications.  Blood pressure and blood glucose checks, testing for digestive problems, gastric emptying tests, ultrasounds, etc are some of the tests that can help determine autonomic neuropathy.

Proximal neuropathy

Diabetes footAlso known as diabetic amyotrophy, this type is very rare, accounting for only 1% of all cases of diabetic neuropathy. Proximal neuropathy also happens when the peripheral nerves are affected.

However, unlike peripheral neuropathy, this type causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks. The pain is also usually on one side.  Other symptoms may include

  • Decreased sensation in affected areas
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty rising from a sitting position
  • Abdominal swelling (if the abdomen is affected)
  • Weight loss

Nerve conduction study is one of the important tests used to diagnose proximal neuropathy.  This test can assess how fast the nerve signals are transmitted.  Generally, physical therapy and occupational therapy are ordered by your doctor in order to improve the overall lifestyle.  Proximal neuropathy is not severe and the chance of recovery is considerably higher as compared to other neuropathies.

Focal neuropathy

This type is less common than peripheral or autonomic neuropathy and affects specific nerves usually in the head, hand, leg, and torso. The symptoms of focal neuropathy are varied depending on which nerve is damaged. Some of the symptoms include

  • Aching behind one eye
  • Double vision
  • Bell’s palsy (paralysis on one side of your face)
  • Problems focusing your eyes
  • Severe pain in a certain area
  • Chest or stomach pain

Nerve compression and entrapment syndromes are quite common symptoms of focal neuropathy.  One of the examples of entrapment syndrome includes carpal tunnel syndrome.  Nerve compressions may also include cranial neuropathy.  Nerve conduction studies are used to diagnose this condition.  Treatment includes prescribing pain-relieving medications and anti-inflammatories.  Surgery also may be required to treat the condition if other treatments provide no relief.

What is sensory diabetic neuropathy?

The sensory nervous system is responsible for a person’s vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and balance. This happens due to the sensory nerves relaying information from the different sensory organs of the body (nose, eyes, ears, skin, and tongue) to the spinal cord and brain. Sensory nerves are also responsible for the perception of physical pain, whenever any part of the body is hurt or damaged.

When a person’s sensory nerves (which are a type of peripheral nerves) are damaged due to diabetes, it is known as sensory diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms

Sensory nerve damage may cause a variety of symptoms depending on which nerve has been damaged. If the large sensory fibers of the nerve are damaged, you may experience the following symptoms

  • Inability to feel vibrations and touch, especially in the hands and feet:
  • The feeling that you are wearing gloves or stockings:
  • Loss of reflexes: A reflex is an involuntary and instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus (like quickly jerking your hand away if you touch something hot). A loss in reflex can be dangerous as the body is no longer able to protect itself from certain harmful stimuli.
  • Loss of position sense: This results in people not being able to coordinate complex movements.

If the small sensory fiber of the nerve is damaged then you may have the following symptoms

  • Inability to feel pain
  • Inability to feel changes in temperature
  • Neuropathic pain

Other causes of sensory neuropathy

Approximately a third of the sensory neuropathy cases occur due to diabetes. The other third occurs due to unknown causes. The rest may be caused by

  • Physical injuries
  • Infections
  • Toxins
  • Metabolic or hormonal imbalance like hypothyroidism
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Tumors pressing on the nerves
  • Vitamin b-12 deficiency
  • Hereditary conditions

Diagnosis

Other than the normal physical examination, diagnosis also involves assessing the sensation, muscle power, joint stability, and pinprick test.  Vibration test is also conducted by placing a tuning fork near the foot or the toe in order to assess sensation.  Autonomic function test generally include checking the blood pressure and heart rate during a series of actions.  Nerve biopsy can be performed in order to eliminate other causes of nerve damage.

This condition can be diagnosed in the following ways

  • Physical and neurological exam: This is done to check the body’s coordination, reflexes, and ability to perceive different sensations.
  • Nerve conduction test: This test is carried out to determine how well electrical signals travel along the sensory nerves. This helps to evaluate the presence of sensory diabetic neuropathy, the type of damage and the severity.
  • Blood tests: This is done to determine the presence of diabetes if it hasn’t been diagnosed as yet.

Who is at risk?

People suffering from diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy at the later stage of life if diabetes is not managed appropriately.  If you fail to manage your diabetes when you are young, it may lead to diabetic neuropathy when you grow older.

Diabetic neuropathy can also be caused when you are suffering from diabetes and also have an underlying health condition such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol levels.  Other activities like smoking and alcohol use can also increase the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.

How prevalent is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy can vary from person to person.  Different people with diabetes can get a different type of diabetic neuropathy.  Studies have claimed that around half of the people with diabetes generally end up having peripheral neuropathy.  Around 30% of diabetes patients end up with autonomic neuropathy.  On the other hand, 25% of patients suffer from focal neuropathy where they end up having any of the nerve compression disorder such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment for this condition is carried out in the following ways

  • Controlling diabetes: If your blood sugar levels are very high then you should start taking measures to control it. Keeping your diabetes under control will prevent further cases of sensory diabetic neuropathy.
  • Oral pain medications: If you are experiencing pain associated with this condition, then the doctors may prescribe you with painkiller namely duloxetine, amitriptyline and pregabalin. People who do not respond to this may be prescribed tramadol.
  • Topical pain medications: You may also be prescribed lidocaine, a local anesthetic that is available as a cream, gel or spray.
  • Physical therapy: This is recommended for people who experience muscle weakness associated with sensory diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy also restored coordination to the limbs.

Complications

People who have sensory neuropathy should be careful not to sustain any injuries as they have difficult sensing pain. Injuries that are not noticed may result in a serious infection. People with this condition should also avoid walking barefoot as foot injuries are not easily noticeable. Minor cuts, burns or blister may turn into foot ulcers, which may need an amputation.  This mainly would affect your ambulation since it can become extremely difficult to ambulate with a sore in your foot.

On the other hand, nerve damage can cause chronic pain which can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.  Autonomic neuropathy can affect the way an internal organ works.  It can cause damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

How to prevent diabetic neuropathy?

As discussed earlier, diabetic neuropathy is a complication associated with poorly managed diabetes.  It is important to manage your blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure to maintain your diabetes.  Some of the instructions that can help prevent nerve damage associated with diabetes include:

  • Following an active lifestyle.
  • Follow a healthy diet plan suitable for diabetes.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Limit alcohol intake to minimal.
  • Regularly take prescribed diabetic medications.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Manage blood sugar levels optimally.
  • Eat a diabetes-friendly diet.
  • Avoid wearing barefoot when suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
  • Regularly consult your doctor for management of diabetes.
Don'ts
  • Follow a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Indulge in smoking.
  • Stop diabetic medications abruptly.
  • Consume sugary beverages.

 

 

 

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Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
hidden benefits walking
9 benefits of walking we bet you didn’t know! Did you know walking can be the miracle pill for eternal youth? Everyone knows walking is good for…
eating disorder anorexia
Eating Disorders: Lifestyle choice or a psychological condition? Is eating disorder just a harmless bad habit? Or does it represent grim psychological disorders? Do you want…
oral hygiene tips
6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
Moringa drink
Moringa: This could be the most nutrient-dense food known to us! Moringa is a lush green tree brimming with over 90 essential nutrients required for a healthy mind and…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
beta hcg test
Beta hCG Test A Beta hCG test measures the level of human gonadotropin hormones present in the blood that is primarliy…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body and it plays…
Rubella IgM test
Rubella IgM Test The Rubella IgM test is a blood test that is performed to diagnose the presence of the rubella…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Find all the instant ways to get rid of blackheads Blackheads - Not only are they aesthetically unappealing but if left untreated these can cause bacterial overgrowth on…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Balneotherapy jacuzzi
5 things you didn’t know about balneotherapy and how you can do it at home Sauna baths have been popular since a long time. But how much more beneficial can balneotherapy be as…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
colposcopy
Colposcopy Colposcopy is a simple, quick and non- invasive diagnostic tool to look closely inside the vulva, vagina, and…
Bloodtestalbumin
Albumin Test Albumin test or blood serum test is a liver function test that measures the amount of the protein…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly & determines the effectiveness…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the most powerful antioxidant…
Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an enema could actually…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Gua sha: Scraping away layers of pain with this ancient healing tool Gua sha is an ancient oriental healing method which focuses on scraping the body with specific tools to…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
Oxalates: How healthy greens can sometimes be bad news for your kidneys Oxalates are compounds present in a majority of healthy foods. However, at times an overconsumption of these could…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds in less…
valproic acid test
Valproic Acid Test Valproic acid test is performed to generally check for psychiatric and even neurological conditions such as bipolar disease…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…
dance health benefits
5 unbelievable effects of dance on your overall health! You enjoy dancing, but did you know what else it does to your body? Dancing is not only…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
High Fiber Diet – Fire up your fiber intake for these health benefits! Regular bowels, healthy detox, higher immunity, and guaranteed weight loss - a high fiber diet can bring all…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
Carb Cycling: Weighing the pros vs the cons of this diet routine Completely discarding carbs from your life will do you more harm than good. Read more about carb cycling,…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in professional circles. But…
Appendix pain: Recent findings on this not-so vestigial organ The exact function of the appendix is still not clear. Some consider it as an organ that once…
Hysteroscopy_procedure
Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to help specialists view the uterus to diagnose and even treat several…
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPIDANTIBODY(APL)_IgG
Antiphospholipid (APL) antibody-IgG The Antiphospholipid Antibody testing is a blood test used to determine an autoimmune disorder called Antiphospholipid syndrome linked…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
Diabetes blood test
Diabetic Profile The diabetic profile is a set of tests used for testing and monitoring the various kinds of Diabetes…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
shoudler exercises
Keep your shoulders pain-free with these shoulder exercises Shoulder exercises are important in order to prevent chronic back and neck pain. Learn more about how you…
yoga health benefits
How to practice yoga for astounding health benefits Can a 5000-year-old system be the ultimate body healer? Did you know yoga can make you smarter and…
Drinking water benefits
8 reasons why you should grab a bottle of water now! Did you know you don't have to be thirsty for hours to be dehydrated?You could be dehydrated right…
ginger benefits healthy
Ginger: Why is it called the root of all remedies? Be it in form of tea or juice, ginger has a lot to offer when it comes to…
The right way to prepare Alfalfa sprouts at home Alfalfa or lusan ghas is not just a nutritious animal fodder. This flavonoid-rich herb has some amazing health…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
Psyllium Husk: More than just an effective natural laxative Psyllium husk, or isabgol, is a popular natural laxative . But did you in addition to regulating bowels,…
sodium blood test
Blood Sodium Test A blood sodium test measures the amount of sodium (an important electrolyte) in your body. It is also…
lipase test
Lipase Test A lipase test is a blood test performed to quantitatively measure the level of the enzyme lipase in…
Period sanitary napkin-menstruaion-blood-colors
Period blood – what it says about your health Your period blood color and consistency indicate what is happening in your body. Is your blood bright red…
kshar sutra
Kshar sutra treatment for piles, fissures and fistula Read to know the benefits and side effects of kshar sutra to treat anal piles, fissures, and fistula…
lose weight fast
12 easy and instant steps to successful weight loss Do you want to lose weight without losing your mind? Does weight loss always mean saying goodbye to…

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