One of the most frustrating things about diabetes is that not only does it go undiagnosed for a long time in many cases, but patients also have a tendency to not be as good about controlling their high blood sugar levels as they should be. The result of both of these factors means that diabetic neuropathy develops slowly and the beginning symptoms can be overlooked. By the time the patient realizes that the minor sensitivity to touch or the occasional numbness indicates diabetic neuropathy, it may have progressed to more serious symptoms.
Another reason diabetic neuropathy gets overlooked is because many symptoms don’t seem to be nerve-related. For example, a change in how much you sweat, digestive issues, muscle weakness, or sexual and bladder concerns might get viewed as normal age-related issues. The problem is that the chances of developing diabetic neuropathy if you have diabetes increase with age, especially if you fall into other risk categories, such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, smoking, drinking heavily, having advanced kidney disease, or having high cholesterol.
The reason diabetic neuropathy is so common is because high blood glucose levels damage nerves, both directly and through damaging the blood vessels that supply them with nutrients and oxygen. The best defense is controlling your glucose level as carefully as possible and making strides in having as healthy a lifestyle as possible.
If you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy, we at Complete Rehab want to help you reduce or eliminate the painful and uncomfortable symptoms you are experiencing. We have an excellent track record for getting our patients on the path to feeling better and understanding what is causing their symptoms. Reach out today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.