Diabetes has a wide range of side effects, including neuropathy. Does diabetic neuropathy pose a threat? The following article contains the solution.
Because it affects the nerves that regulate movement, sensation, and other bodily functions, diabetic neuropathy can lead to issues in many different parts of the body.
Does diabetic neuropathy pose a threat? And once it has developed, how can it be controlled? Here are the answers and more:
Is diabetic neuropathy dangerous?
Nerve issues can appear in diabetics at any time. Diabetic neuropathy can develop within the first 10 years after diabetes is diagnosed.
It is possible that the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy increases the longer you have diabetes, and when answering the question “Is diabetic neuropathy dangerous?” Yes, we say, as it is a chronic condition that frequently develops into serious complications.
The following are the primary complications of diabetic neuropathy:
1. Problems with the urinary system
When you can't completely empty your bladder due to nerve damage, bacteria can accumulate in your bladder and kidneys, which can result in a urinary tract infection.
One of the issues that patients may experience as a result of nerve damage to the muscles that aid in the flow of urine or the nerves that control the urge to urinate is urinary incontinence.
2. Digestive problems
Gastroparesis, which is characterised by the stomach's inability to move food easily, slowly, or at all, causes bloating and indigestion when the nerves in the digestive system are damaged.
Additionally, diabetic neuropathy patients may experience diarrhoea, constipation, or both due to harm to the nerves that regulate the small intestine.
3. Vision problems
As a result of changes that take place in the blood vessels in the retina, such as swelling, fluid leakage from them, or the growth of new blood vessels on their surface, you may develop retinopathy, which can have a significant impact on your vision system.
Additionally, one or more of the nerves that move both eyes in unison may lose blood flow, and damage to the nerves that control the pupils makes it difficult to see in low light.
4. Other complications
Is diabetic neuropathy dangerous? is a never-ending question. As mentioned above, here is another set of complications of diabetic neuropathy as follows:
- reduced capacity to detect low blood sugar warning signs.
- loss of sensation in the legs and feet, making it difficult to feel an injury that could develop into a deep wound and cause tissue death, necessitating an amputation.
- Erectile dysfunction in men and trouble arousing the desire in women are both symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
- sweating that is either more or less intense due to the sweat glands' unbalanced operation and the challenge of regulating body temperature.
How can exacerbation of diabetic neuropathy be prevented?
After discovering the response to the question "Is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous?" You must be wondering if you have already been infected about the most important ways that help prevent the exacerbation of diabetic neuropathy, and we answer here that it is through making some changes in the patient’s lifestyle, including:
- Excess weight loss.
- Doing exercise.
- Monitor blood sugar levels.
- Quit Smoking.
- Improve the level of vitamins in the body.
- Stress control .
- Limit alcohol intake
- Ensure that all injuries and infections are treated.
- Wearing orthotic supports and controlling loss of balance.
Prevention of diabetic neuropathy
The discussion on "Is Diabetic Neuropathy Dangerous?" comes to an end. It is necessary to note the most important means that help newly diagnosed diabetic patients in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy, including:
- Utilizing a diabetic diet and exercise to keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible.
- Follow the doctor's instructions when taking blood sugar-regulating medication.
- In particular, if you believe you have lost foot feeling, check your feet every day and have them examined by a specialist once a year.
- If you believe you may be exhibiting any symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, seek medical advice.