The Link Between Diabetes and Neuropathy

Nearly 12% of people in the United States have diabetes, a disease affecting blood sugar that often leads to complications when not managed effectively. 

Diabetic neuropathy, characterized by numbness, burning, tingling, touch sensitivity, and pain, is just one of the numerous complications of diabetes. You might also experience vision or hearing problems, loss of balance, digestive problems, or sexual dysfunction stemming from diabetes-related neuropathies.

If you’re bothered by debilitating neuropathy discomfort, see our pain management specialists at Integrated Pain Consultants for an evaluation and long-lasting relief. 

The neuropathy-diabetes connection

As many as 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes can affect nerves that control sensation, movement, and other functions. And the longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of neuropathy.

While neuropathy’s exact cause isn’t entirely clear, uncontrolled diabetes and consistent high blood sugar are thought to damage nerves, interfering with their ability to send signals. Neuropathy may also stem from high blood sugar’s effects on blood vessels, weakening them and reducing their ability to supply nerves with much-needed nutrients and oxygen. 

Diabetes and neuropathy risk factors

Risk factors for developing uncontrolled blood sugar and nerve damage include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• Poor dietary habits
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Kidney disease
• High triglycerides
• High cholesterol

When not properly managed, diabetes and high blood sugar may contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, foot damage, dementia, depression, and skin conditions, as well as hearing impairment or eye damage.  

Reducing the risk of diabetic neuropathy

If you have diabetes, reducing the risk of neuropathy involves adopting the following healthy lifestyle habits:

• Routinely check your blood sugar levels at home
• Check your feet daily for injuries
• See a diabetes specialist regularly
• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in lean proteins, plant fats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Stay physically active at least 30 minutes daily
• Don’t smoke
• Manage chronic disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and elevated blood pressure
• Maintain an ideal body weight (gradually move toward a healthier weight if you’re overweight or obese)
• See a podiatrist to check your feet regularly
• Drink alcohol in moderation, or avoid it entirely
• Minimize stress using relaxation techniques

Early detection and treatment of neuropathy helps prevent the condition from worsening, easing pain and reducing the risk of disabling complications. 

It’s also helpful to know the warning signs of diabetes. Examples include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, frequent infections, fatigue, weakness, irritability, and slow-healing wounds. 

Lessening neuropathy discomfort

If you struggle with crippling nerve pain linked to diabetic neuropathy, see our experts at Integrated Pain Consultants to relieve your discomfort. We offer pain-reducing medication management, topical creams, nerve stimulation, biofeedback training, ketamine infusions, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, chiropractic care, and more.

Your diabetic neuropathy treatment plan is based on your individualized needs, lifestyle, and the severity of your discomfort. 

Don’t live with debilitating discomfort. Manage neuropathic pain and reduce the risk of further nerve damage by contacting our Integrated Pain Consultants experts by phone or requesting an appointment online today.