Diabetic neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that can occur due to diabetes. It is a serious and common complication of type 1 and 2 diabetics. It is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels (glucose), which can injure the nerves throughout the body. There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
- Focal neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy: It is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, also called distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy. It affects the peripheral nerves in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Symptoms may include,
- Numbness, tingling
- Burning or shooting pains
- Loss of balance or coordination
Autonomic neuropathy: The other type of neuropathy in people with diabetes is autonomic neuropathy, which controls the body function such as the digestive system, blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, eyes, bladder, and sex organs. Symptoms may include,
- Digestive problems
- Urinary incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Bladder problems (incomplete bladder emptying)
- Excessive or decreased sweating
- Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)
- Cardiovascular abnormalities(abnormal heart rate or blood pressure)
Proximal neuropathy: This is a rare kind of neuropathy, also called diabetic amyotrophy. This type of neuropathy often affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs, causing muscle weakness and pain. The exact cause of proximal neuropathy is not completely understood, but it is considered to be related to high blood sugar levels and blood vessel damage. It also affects the abdominal and chest area. Symptoms may include,
- Shrinking or weak thigh muscles
- Difficulty rising from a sitting pose
- Extreme pain in the buttock, hip, or thigh
- Chest pain
- Abdominal wall pain
Focal neuropathy (Mononeuropathy): As the name indicates, this type of neuropathy affects a specific nerve or group of nerves by causing instant weakness or pain in a specific body area. It usually occurs in the face, torso, or leg. This is caused by inflammation or damage to the affected nerves, possibly due to various factors such as injury, compression, infection, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms may include,
- Severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected area.
- Wasting and twitching
- Vision problems or double vision
Risk Factor:
- Poor blood sugar control
- Duration of diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic factors, age
- Medications that can damage nerves (chemotherapy drugs)
- Alcohol consumption
- Vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Infections (Lyme disease or shingles)
- Exposure to toxins or chemicals
- Other medical conditions, such as neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, or retinopathy
Several medications can help relieve the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, including over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and topical medications. The actual goal of this treatment is to prevent or delay the progression of neuropathy and improve quality of life. This can be achieved through diet, exercise, and medication as a healthcare provider prescribes. Physical activities and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption, can also help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
Nuhenz Capsule is a combination of Methylcobalamin, Myo-Inositol, Folic Acid, Chromium Picolinate, Selenium, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Benfotiamine. Benfotiamine is a synthetic compound of thiamine (vitamin B1). It works by increasing thiamine levels in the body, which can help improve nerve function and reduce inflammation associated with diabetic neuropathy. Mecobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that forms myelin, a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. It helps in improving nerve function and reduces symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Nuhenz capsule is generally safe and not associated with significant side effects.
