What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
With 25 million affected individuals, diabetes, known medically as diabetes mellitus, affects nearly one out of every 12 people in the United States. Patients with diabetes suffer from high blood sugar levels as a result of poor insulin production or insulin insensitivity.Insulin is a molecule produced by the pancreas and is responsible for removing excess glucose from the bloodstream.
The two types of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in patients below 30, hence the additional term “juvenile diabetes,” although it may be diagnosed at older ages in some cases. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a loss of insulin production associated with the depletion of insulin producing beta cells from the pancreas. This form of diabetes may occur suddenly, and is more common in individuals with an affected family member. Symptoms include weight loss, blurred vision, increased urination, and thirst.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop more gradually, but are similar to Type 1 diabetes symptoms. However, the causes of these two diseases vary. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin sensitivity, wherein the body no longer responds to insulin production. Initially, this is compensated by overproduction of insulin, but consistent overproduction often leads to a loss of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes, although the ages of diagnosis overlap. Type 2 diabetes is highly associated with weight, with about 90% of Type 2 diabetes patients being overweight.
Must Watch Video – What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
A frequent complication of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy, affecting nearly half of all diabetic patients. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the limbs and extremities resulting from diabetes. This is distinct from peripheral arterial disease, which directly affects blood vessels.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy may remain undiagnosed for long periods of time in asymptomatic individuals. When symptoms present themselves, they typically progress gradually and increase in severity over time. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects several types of nerves, including sensory, motor, and autonomic. The associated symptoms may become worse at night, and are characterized by a loss of sensation that can make patients prone to skin ulcers, lesions, and other complications of the extremities.