Diabetic neuropathy occurs when the nervous system deteriorates due to elevated blood sugar levels.
The human nervous system is made up of a vast network of special tissue. It includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves that communicate with all organs of the body that control movement and sensory functions.
The nervous system controls all movements and sensory reactions in the body. This is done by series of electrical impulses exchanged between neurons, or nerve cells. These impulses go to or come from the brain.
There are three types of nerve cells: autonomic, sensory and motor nerve cells. The autonomic nervous system controls unconsciously performed activities, such as heart rate and digestion. The sensory nerves (sensory nerves) transmit signals to the brain, including the sense of touch, temperature and pain. The motor nervous system transmits signals from the brain that stimulate muscles to contract or relax. This creates movement.
Diabetes or diabetes is associated with a blood glucose (sugar) level that is too high in the bloodstream. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that develops when the nervous system deteriorates due to elevated blood sugar levels. The condition can also be caused by physical damage to the nervous system in combination with high blood sugar levels.
Elevated blood sugar levels often cause narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the nerves with blood. From these damaged blood vessels, harmful substances can leak to the nerves. Also, due to damaged blood vessels, the nerves do not receive enough oxygen. The extra glucose can stimulate an immune attack on the lining of the nerve cells’ axons. This weakens or damages the nerve impulses.
The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are very different and depend on the affected nerves. Symptoms include low blood pressure, bowel movements, pain, numbness, loss of touch and uncontrolled movements. The best way to prevent and/or treat this condition is a healthy lifestyle and close monitoring of blood sugar levels.
A person with diabetes can reduce the risk of neuropathy by monitoring their weight, exercising more, quitting smoking and, most importantly, maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
