Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Did you know that about 50% of people living with diabetes are likely to develop neuropathic conditions at some point in their lives? If you belong to this demographic group, it would be best to see a diabetic neuropathy in Baltimore specialist. The team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center is ready to address any diabetic-related issues you may be having for purposes of improving your quality of life. Read on to find out what the specialists have to say about the condition:

What living with diabetic neuropathy feels like

If you have recently been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your chances of succumbing to diabetic neuropathy become heightened. You can blame it on the fact that your body has high blood sugar levels, causing your nerves to become overwhelmed. You may not feel the symptoms of the disease at first because it develops gradually.

Diabetes is a manageable condition until the patient starts experiencing tingling sensations, limb weakness, fatigue, and numbness. The typical shots you may be getting to manage diabetic symptoms may not work if your nerves have been damaged. So when it gets to a point where you no longer feel pain and develop an open wound on your foot, you should see a doctor.

The types of diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy comes in four forms including:

Peripheral neuropathy

The condition attacks the feet and legs. The symptoms include numbness, pain, tingling, and burning sensations in your lower feet. Before you see an osteoarthritis specialist, try to examine your feet and legs daily. If they are dry, try applying some oil and trim your toenails. But if all these remedies fail to work, it is time to see a specialist.

Autonomic neuropathy

Here, your digestive system becomes affected. It can also attack your blood vessels, sex organs, and bowel system. If you experience frequent diarrhea, bloating, constipation, heartburn, or nausea, consider seeing a diabetes specialist so they can advise you accordingly.

Proximal neuropathy

Here, the inside of your thighs, buttocks, or hips become affected, leading to general weakness in the legs. This type can be treated using over-the-counter medications and physiotherapies to manage numbness and weakness.

Focal neuropathy

This type of diabetic neuropathy affects some kinds of nerves located in the head, torso, or legs. Patients may experience symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or pain in any of these parts. It is common for patients to notice signs such as impaired vision, eye ache, Bell’s palsy, and chest or stomach pain for the head or torso. This type is often gradual and unpredictable, which is why you need to discuss with your doctor the symptoms you may be experiencing.

See a diabetes specialist for medical assistance

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to see a diabetes specialist to diagnose and treat your condition. Do not wait until the symptoms become severe to do something about it. To learn more about diabetic neuropathy and its symptoms, call your diabetes specialist today.