Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, affecting the body’s nerves due to high blood glucose levels over a long period of time. However, what many people don’t know is that Neuropathy can begin to develop even in the prediabetes stage, before diabetes is officially diagnosed. In fact, it can appear at any stage of the evolution of diabetes, whether in the early years of diagnosis or in more advanced stages of diabetes. the disease. As diabetes progresses, up to 25% of people with type 2 diabetes may show signs of nerve damage. The most common form of this complication is polyneuropathy, which affects various parts of the body, especially the feet.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to a range of symptoms. The most common are loss of sensation and pain in the feet, such as a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness. Early control of diabetes, especially maintaining stable blood sugar levels, can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic neuropathy. Also, it’s important to note that neuropathy can appear even before diabetes is diagnosed, which underscores the importance of maintaining proper glucose control from the prediabetes stage.

What are the risk factors?

The main risk factor for developing diabetic neuropathy is having poor control of blood sugar levels over a long period of time. However, there are also other factors that can increase the risk, such as:

• Heart disease
• High levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• High blood pressure

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

The most common symptoms include pain, burning, or tingling sensations in the feet and toes. People may also feel increased sensitivity to touch, as if even a gentle touch is painful. In some cases, the pain may worsen. when the person is at rest and improve with movement, such as walking. Symptoms generally begin in the feet and may work up the legs. As neuropathy progresses, people may lose the ability to feel pain, causing pain. which increases the risk of injury without realize. If not detected and treated in time, these lesions can develop into serious ulcers, which could require surgery or amputation in extreme cases.

More serious forms of diabetic neuropathy

In more severe cases of diabetic neuropathy, forms that affect vital body functions, such as autonomic neuropathy, can develop. This condition occurs when the nerves that control automatic body functions, such as digestion, blood pressure, or heart rate, are affected.

Autonomic neuropathy can cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting when standing up quickly (due to a drop in blood pressure), digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea, difficulty controlling your bladder, and even heart problems that can cause your heartbeat to become irregular. This form of neuropathy can be very serious, affecting vital functions that we don’t normally consciously control, and can further complicate diabetes management.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy usually begins with a medical examination and physical examination, particularly of the feet. During the examination, doctors check the person’s ability to feel vibration, temperature, and pressure in the feet and toes. If an abnormality is detected, other tests may be performed to further evaluate nerve damage.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Although there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, there are treatments that can relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications. Common approaches include:

1. Manage blood sugar.- Keeping blood glucose levels under control is key to preventing nerve damage. If blood sugar levels are stable, painful symptoms such as burning and tingling may improve. For some people, this may mean adjusting treatment with insulin or take additional medication.

2. Healthy lifestyle.- Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, is key to managing diabetes and preventing neuropathy. Eating nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can help significantly.

3. Foot Care.- People with diabetic neuropathy should inspect their feet every day for any wounds or signs of infection, as nerve damage can prevent them from feeling pain or discomfort. Additionally, a complete foot exam is recommended at least once a year with a health care professional.

4. Pain Relief.- Neuropathic pain can be difficult to treat, but there are medications that can help relieve it. Some of these medications are antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or pain relievers. If the pain is very severe, your doctor may prescribe medications such as duloxetine or gabapentin, which are approved to treat neuropathic pain.

What can be done to prevent it?

The best way to prevent diabetic neuropathy is to effectively manage diabetes. This means following medical recommendations to keep glucose levels within a healthy range, exercising regularly, eating a proper diet, and avoiding tobacco. Regular checkups and foot care are also important measures to detect potential problems early. In summary, diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes, but with good control of the disease and a proactive approach to health care, it is possible to relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications. If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to manage the risks and maintain a healthy lifestyle.