Home : health : Signs Indicating Diabetic Neuropathy Caused By Excess Sugar

Signs indicating diabetic neuropathy caused by excess sugar

Signs indicating diabetic neuropathy caused by excess sugar

Excessive sugar intake has far-reaching effects on the body, including the development of diabetic neuropathy. Understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of this condition are crucial for early detection and effective management. Exploring the various signs of diabetic neuropathy helps empower one to address them proactively. From tingling and numbness in the extremities to digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and even cognitive impairment, it is important to delve into each sign in detail.

Tingling and numbness in extremities
One of the earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy is the sensation of tingling and numbness in the extremities. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals, resulting in abnormal sensations in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. If one experiences a “pins and needles” feeling or a loss of sensation, monitoring these changes and promptly seeking professional advice is essential.

Burning sensation and pain
Diabetic neuropathy can also cause persistent burning sensations or pain in the affected areas. The damaged nerves may send faulty signals to the brain, leading to constant feelings of heat or aching discomfort. This pain can be particularly bothersome at night, disrupting sleep and affecting the overall quality of life. Recognizing and addressing these sensations early on is key to managing diabetic neuropathy effectively.

Muscle weakness and lack of coordination
As diabetic neuropathy progresses, it can impact motor nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and a decline in coordination. Tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or gripping objects tightly, may become increasingly challenging. Muscle weakness and a loss of balance can hinder mobility. This makes regular physical assessments and targeted exercises to improve strength and coordination even more important.

Digestive issues
Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves that control the digestive system, leading to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and difficulty swallowing can arise due to disrupted nerve signals. Paying close attention to these digestive issues can help identify potential diabetic neuropathy and prompt the appropriate guidance.

Sexual dysfunction
Diabetic neuropathy can significantly impact sexual function. In men, damage to the nerves regulating sexual response can lead to erectile dysfunction, while women may experience decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. These changes can have a profound effect on intimate relationships and overall well-being. Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial to addressing these sensitive concerns and exploring suitable treatment options.

Urinary problems
The nerves controlling the bladder can be affected by diabetic neuropathy, resulting in urinary issues. Frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying are common symptoms. These issues can disrupt daily activities and affect overall urinary health. Monitoring changes in urinary patterns and seeking help to manage these symptoms effectively is highly recommended.

Vision changes
Diabetic neuropathy can impact the nerves responsible for transmitting visual information. Consequently, individuals may experience vision changes such as blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or double vision. These visual impairments can be temporary or persistent, necessitating regular eye examinations and close collaboration with eye care specialists to maintain optimal eye health.

Skin problems
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves controlling sweat glands and blood vessels, leading to skin problems. Dryness, itching, skin color and texture changes, and delayed wound healing are common manifestations. Vigilance in skincare and seeking prompt, professional guidance for skin abnormalities are essential in preventing complications and promoting overall skin health.

Balance and coordination issues
Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves responsible for proprioception, the sense of body position, and balance. This can result in difficulties with coordination and balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Regular physical activities, such as balance exercises and strength training, can help mitigate these challenges and improve overall stability.

Emotional and psychological impact
Living with diabetic neuropathy can take a toll on emotional and psychological well-being. Chronic pain, physical limitations, and the potential for long-term complications may contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and loved ones can provide valuable encouragement, guidance, and emotional relief.

Temperature sensitivity
Diabetic neuropathy can disrupt the nerves responsible for regulating body temperature. Consequently, individuals can experience heightened sensitivity to temperature changes, feeling extremely cold or hot even in moderate conditions. Monitoring and managing temperature sensitivity can help prevent discomfort and potential injuries.

Swallowing difficulties
Damage to the nerves controlling swallowing muscles can lead to difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. Individuals may feel like food is stuck in their throats or experience recurring choking episodes. Regular evaluation by a healthcare professional and modifications in food choices and swallowing techniques can help manage this symptom effectively.

Autonomic nerve dysfunction
Diabetic neuropathy can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. This dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including an abnormal heart rate or blood pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, and impaired sweating. Monitoring these autonomic signs and seeking healthcare intervention can prevent potential complications and improve overall well-being.

Joint pain
Diabetic neuropathy can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands, feet, and knees. The damaged nerves disrupt communication between joints and the brain, resulting in discomfort, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities. Physical therapy, pain management techniques, and joint-friendly exercises can help alleviate joint pain and improve mobility.

Balance and posture changes
Due to the loss of sensation and muscle weakness associated with diabetic neuropathy, individuals may experience changes in balance and posture. Maintaining a steady posture and steadily walking can become challenging. Working with a physical therapist or engaging in balance exercises can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Cognitive impairment
In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can affect cognitive function, leading to memory, concentration, and problem-solving difficulties. Mental fog, forgetfulness, and a decline in mental sharpness may occur. Regular cognitive stimulation activities, blood sugar control, and overall diabetes management can help mitigate cognitive impairment.

Sleep disturbances
Diabetic neuropathy can interfere with sleep patterns and quality. The pain, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with neuropathy can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Establishing good sleep hygiene practices and seeking appropriate healthcare interventions can improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

Most Popular

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that makes the skin reddish, inflamed, and itchy because of specific triggers. It can affect any body part and appear anywhere on the skin. The most common symptoms are dryness, bumps, rashes, redness, and peeling of the skin. Despite being one of the most typical forms of atopic dermatitis, there is no such common definite cause; however, particular triggers cause eczema flareups, including specific kinds of soaps. Soaps and eczema flareups When eczema triggers, most of the time, it makes its appearance in certain typical parts of the body. These include behind the knee areas, hands, and feet. Some of the most common triggers of eczema flareups include household cleaners containing specific chemicals, and, most notably, soaps. However, the experience of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. One of the most typical symptoms is dry skin, where the soap’s role becomes significant. It is a pretty well-known fact that using soaps makes one’s skin dry. This happens because of specific harsh chemicals that swipe off moisture from one’s skin. These chemicals can also trigger severe irritation and reactions, specifically if the skin is too sensitive or if one is suffering from eczema.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition. Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable.
7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats.
7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them.

Popular Articles

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health
health
01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
Avoid these 5 smartphone habits
smartphones
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis
health
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More