Diabetic Neuropathy is a group of neurological disorders caused by nerve damage resulting from the effects of type one and type two Diabetes. There are several types of neurological diseases, each affecting the individual differently. Each disorder presents with it's own symptoms, prognosis, and risks. It is important for the diabetic patient to receive adequate education from their physician on the basic signs and symptoms of neuropathy. Early identification and frequent check ups can impact the effects of neuropathy greatly.
The most common type is Peripheral Neuropathy. It is also referred to as distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy. In this type, the legs, feet, toes, arms, and hands experience pain and loss of sensation. Typically, the lower extremities are involved before the upper extremities and a loss of reflexes is common. It is with this type of neuropathy that ulcers, wounds, infections, and in severe cases, amputation is most common (Dyck, Feldmen, & Vinick).
Autonomic Neuropathy affects the internal organs primarily. It can affect the cardiovascular system by hampering its ability to regulate pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature. It can affect the digestive system with gastroparesis, dysphagia, and uncontrollable weight loss and malnutrition. Frequent urinary tract infections are common, as well. Sexual responses, other than drive and desire, are also affected in this type. It can affect the individual's ability to recognize symptoms associated with low blood sugar, thus putting the individual at risk for further nerve damage and diabetic risks (Dyck, Feldmen, & Vinick).
Proximal Neuropathy has many names. Often referred to as lumbosacral plexus neuropathy, femoral neu...
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...nd recommendations from healthcare providers is key in preventing severe damage. Smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet all contribute to worsening symptoms of neuropathy. Therefore, support systems and constant education should be a part of any treatment plan for the patient at risk or the patient suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
Works Cited
American Diabetes Association. (2013, June 07). Additional Types of Neuropathy. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/additional-types-of-neuropathy.html
Dyck, P., Feldman, E., & Vinick, A. (2013, November 26). Diabetic Neuropathy: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/#types
NINDS (2008, September 16). NINDS Diabetic Neuropathy Information Page. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/diabetic/diabetic.htm
Your breath can have a sweet smell caused by the high levels of ketones in the body. Being a diabetic you are also prone to losing sensation in the lower extremities causing it to be difficult to notice any pain or injury in your feet. It can also cause your skin to dry and crack on your feet. It is extremely important to keep an eye on your feet to make sure no damage is done.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is also referred to as insulin-dependent as the secretion of the hormone insulin by the pancreas is reduced to minor levels due to the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells by immune system of the body. Therefore, Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition due to the fact that the body is harming the pancreas with antibodies so beta cells cannot make any insulin for bloodstream to take in glucose. The fact that the cells in the body cannot take in glucose means that it builds up in the blood and hyperglycaemia occurs. This abnormally high level of blood glucose is able to harm the nervous system, tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, heart and the eyes. Type 1 Diabetes is fatal when left untreated as it then causes heart disease, kidney disease, damage to the nerves, stroke and
Diabetes mellitus also known simply as diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases which affect the body’s homeostatic mechanism used for maintaining and regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic condition which, in 2013 was estimated to be affecting 382 million people worldwide.[1] People suffering from diabetes are required to constantly be vigilant of their blood sugar levels to ensure it does not go below or above optimum levels. Depending on the type of diabetes and glucose level range, they may need to inject themselves with insulin or eat high sugar foods to restabilise their body. Failure to do so can lead to other long term health effects.[2]
Pandey, Manmohan K., et al. "Neurological complications in diabetic ketoacidosis-before and after insulin therapy." 2014. Document.
... affecting the peripheral nervous system. Ascending paralysis, weakness beginning in the feet and migrating towards the trunk, limbs and the head, is the most common symptom, and some subtypes cause change in sensation or pain, as well as dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It can cause life-threatening complications, in particular if the respiratory muscles are affected or if the autonomic nervous system is involved. The disease is usually triggered by an infection. The diagnosis is usually made by nerve conduction studies and with studies of the cerebrospinal fluid. With prompt treatment by intravenous immunoglobulin’s or plasmapheresis, together with supportive care, the majority will recover completely. Guillain Barré syndrome is rare, at one to two cases per 100,000 people annually, but is the most common cause of acute non-trauma-related paralysis.
Peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition that can be fixed in multiple ways. If an individual is having trouble and experiencing more than one of the symptoms such as pain or muscle weakness, he or she should make a visit to see their doctor and discuss the possible reasoning behind it. A doctor knows best and can prescribe the necessary medications or treatments to help the patient feel better and hopefully stop the patient from having paralysis. There are ways to prevent this condition and they should be taken into consideration.
Yang, Zhirong., Yuan, Zhang., Chen, Ru., Huang, Y., Ji, L., Sun, F., Hong, T., Zhan, S. (2014). Sample Tests to Screen for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. The Cochrane Library: DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010975. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010975/abstract
...nt of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease: Interpreting the latest guidelines for nurse practitiners. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 9(10), 653-660. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2013.08.026
Diabetes is a disease in which a person’s body in unable to make or utilize insulin properly which affects blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas, which helps to regulate glucose (sugar) levels, break down carbohydrates and fats, and is essential to produce the body’s energy. The CDC (2013) offers reliable insight, summarized here, into the different types of diabetes, some causes, and health complications that may arise from the disease.
Diabetic neuropathy is common in individuals with long-standing diabetes. It affects the nerves and can cause damage throughout the body. Worsening of diabetic neuropathy is observed among individuals with
This consists of damage to my heart and blood vessels, eye damage, and foot and skin damage (Mayo, 2014). Diabetes leads to heart disease because high blood sugars over a long period of time are very damaging to the body’s cells and nerves (Mayo, 2014). Another complication of diabetes is neuropathy, which is a sensation of tingling, numbness, and burning in the fingers and toes. This damage occurs because excess sugar in the walls of blood vessels can injure the vessels and cause them to break down (Mayo, 2014).
Peripheral neuropathy is a term which describes damage to one or more of your peripheral nerves. The damage means that the messages that travel between your central and peripheral nervous system are disrupted. There are many different conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is known as the major cause of persistent peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms and the cause of peripheral neuropathy depend on which types of peripheral nerves are damaged. Neuropathy can affect any one, both the young and the old. However, people suffering from diabetes and other infections have a high possibility of being affected with this disease. The aims of treatment for peripheral neuropathy are to treat any underlying cause, to control your symptoms and to help you to achieve maximum independence.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and life threatening disease that has become a major health problem worldwide. In the United States, Diabetes is the leading cause of health complications, including new cases of blindness, end stage liver disease, and leg or foot amputation (Rosdahl, 2008). According to the American Diabetes association, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. In 2007, diabetes was listed as the underlying cause on 71,382 death certificates and was listed as a contributing factor on an additional 160,022 death certificates. Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. There are 3 types of diabetes; type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Although the disease can be considered deadly, diabetes is very manageable if one adjusts necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes.
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition which afflicts millions of people around the world. It is related to the insulin hormone, which is secreted by cells in the pancreas, regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream and supports the body with breaking down the glucose to be used as energy. In someone who has diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cells don’t respond to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational. I will be discussing type 1 and type 2.