Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes, often producing pain, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation. Its patterns depend on which nerves are affected.

Hyperglycemia: An abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood. Persistent high blood glucose contributes to the metabolic and vascular injury that damages nerves.
Distal symmetric polyneuropathy: A length-dependent disorder affecting sensory nerves symmetrically, usually beginning in the feet. This is the most common pattern of diabetic nerve damage.
Diabetic foot ulcer: An open sore on the foot associated with diabetes, often arising from pressure, injury, and impaired healing. Loss of sensation can conceal repeated injuries that develop into ulcers.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: A shortage of vitamin B12 that can impair blood-cell production and damage the nervous system. It can cause sensory symptoms resembling diabetic neuropathy and may coexist with diabetes.
Microvascular disease: Disease of the small blood vessels that supply tissues and organs. Impaired blood supply can deprive peripheral nerves of oxygen and nutrients.
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy: Diabetes-related damage to nerves controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and bladder activity. It shows how diabetes can injure nerves beyond those responsible for sensation and movement.
Charcot foot: Progressive damage and deformity of foot bones and joints, often associated with neuropathy and reduced sensation. Insensate joints may sustain repeated damage before pain prompts attention.
Alcoholic neuropathy: Peripheral nerve damage associated with prolonged heavy alcohol use and related nutritional deficiencies. It is another common cause of length-dependent nerve symptoms.
Peripheral nervous system: The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. Diabetic neuropathy commonly affects nerves in this wider system.
Diabetic mononeuropathy: Diabetes-associated dysfunction of one peripheral nerve, sometimes causing sudden weakness or pain. This focal pattern contrasts with the widespread, length-dependent form.

Linked from 16 pages