Brain & Nerve

Home |Health Centers |Brain & Nerve |Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy

Also called: Diabetic Nerve Disease, Diabetic Nerve Damage

- Summary
- About diabetic neuropathy
- Types and differences
- Risk factors and causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment and prevention
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Gary Pepper, M.D., FACP

Test Your Knowledge
-	Diabetic Neuropathy Quiz
-	Infectious Disease Basics Quiz
-	Neuro Signs & Symptoms Quiz
Quizzes A-Z

Signs and symptoms

Not everyone with diabetic neuropathy experiences symptoms. Among those who do, signs and symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected and their connection in the body. Some neuropathies affect motor movements and sensation, and others cause problems with bodily functions.

Type	Initial symptoms	Symptom progression	Onset
Peripheral (affects nerves in the limbs)	Tingling Burning Numbness Loss of balance/ coordination Impaired sleep and fatigue	Sensitive to touch Muscle weakness Serious infection Gangrene Amputation	Gradual Worse at night
Autonomic (affects organ systems)	Dizziness Low blood pressure Excess sweating Poor bladder control	Fainting Heart rate irregularities Bladder/bowel problems Sexual dysfunction Stomach problems (nausea, poor digestion) Hypoglycemia unawareness	Gradual
Focal (affects one nerve or group of nerves)	Blurred vision Mild facial weakness Ankle or foot weakness	Double vision Facial paralysis	Sudden, but can resolve

There are considerable differences between the types of diabetic neuropathy. The initial signs vary in the way they first appear and how they progress in severity. However, once the symptoms become evident, the patient should seek medical attention. Physicians will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment and monitor the neuropathy to avoid further complications.

Prev Page | page 5 of 8 | Next Page

Review Date: 05-19-2008