An important thing to keep in mind is that although stage 1 neuropathy is usually caused by excessive sugar consumption, most people don't have it yet. As the first stage of diabetic neuropathy, prediabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that occurs in people who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes but who have higher than normal blood sugar levels. This condition can be a warning sign of the onset of diabetes and should not be ignored. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage peripheral nerves, especially in the feet, toes, and ankles.
Diabetic neuropathy progresses through three stages. The early stages usually include mild tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the feet. In the moderate stage, these symptoms become more frequent and painful, with possible muscle weakness or loss of coordination. Severe neuropathy causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect wounds and injuries and increasing the risk of serious infections and complications.
Common symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy include acute pain, cramps, swelling, frequent infections, and loss of muscle tone. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to ulcers, deformities, or even the loss of a limb. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, control symptoms, and recommend treatment to control pain, prevent complications, and slow progression. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and guidance on how to manage this condition.
This first stage includes subtle symptoms that are easy to miss. You may experience periods of pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be easily controlled at this stage. Neuropathy at this time is usually due to excessive sugar consumption.
Change your diet immediately if you notice these symptoms. Avoid junk food, candy, simple carbohydrates, and hyperglycemic foods. Diabetic neuropathy most commonly affects the sensory and motor nerves in the legs and feet. This is known as peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It can affect nerves in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. It often starts in the feet and usually affects both feet at the same time. Most often, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy affect both sides of the body.
It follows that nerve damage can produce many different symptoms, especially as diabetic neuropathy progresses. Living with diabetic neuropathy can be challenging, and seeking support from health professionals is essential to effectively manage this condition. While there are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy, the most prevalent subtype, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), can cause significant complications ranging from paresthesia to loss of a limb and life. The persistent tingling, numbness, and pain experienced as you go through the stages of diabetic neuropathy can cause discomfort and hinder your ability to do activities you previously enjoyed.
These non-diabetic neuropathies can manifest in a variety of ways and affect sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves, and may require different diagnostic and treatment approaches. compared to diabetic neuropathy. In contrast, diabetic neuropathy encompasses a spectrum of nerve damage associated with diabetes, affecting various parts of the body and causing symptoms such as neuropathic pain, tingling and numbness, depending on the nerves involved. In the advanced stage of diabetic neuropathy, people may experience sensory ataxia, which can cause problems with coordination and balance, making daily activities challenging.
Because peripheral neuropathy is so common in diabetic patients, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that doctors evaluate patients with type 2 diabetes when they are diagnosed; in patients with type 1 diabetes, doctors should evaluate for peripheral neuropathy 5 years after diagnosis and then once a year. Early-stage diabetic neuropathy often presents with mild symptoms that can be easily overlooked. or be attributed to other causes. There are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy; the most prevalent subtype, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), can cause significant complications ranging from paresthesia to loss of a limb and life.
In advanced-stage diabetic neuropathy, the impact goes beyond physical discomfort and influences daily life and mobility. The impact of the early stages of diabetic neuropathy on daily life can be significant and influence several aspects of well-being. See your doctor if you have diabetes and have any symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Everyone with diabetes should be careful with their feet.
Read more on the Diabetes Australia website.
