Diabetes is a disease that causes chronically high blood glucose levels. The effects of this disease affect the entire body, but it can cause "diabetic neuropathy" by damaging nerves in particular.
Neuropathy is one of the three major complications of diabetes and, as it progresses, can greatly interfere with daily life. Early detection and prevention are of utmost importance.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
When blood glucose levels remain high, the endothelium of blood vessels and the nerves themselves are damaged. Nerves receive oxygen and nutrients from blood vessels, but high blood glucose deteriorates blood flow and causes nerve dysfunction.
Peripheral nerves (those distributed in the limbs) are particularly susceptible, causing abnormal sensation and movement.
Main Symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy has different symptoms depending on the type of nerve affected.
1. peripheral neuropathy (sensory and motor)
- Toes and fingers.numbness
- prickling painand burning sensation
- Sensory loss (difficulty in noticing injuries and burns)
- Muscle weakness in the legs and gait disturbance
2. autonomic neuropathy
- lightheadedness(Orthostatic hypotension)
- Abnormal sweating (difficulty or inability to stop sweating)
- Indigestion, recurrent constipation and diarrhea (diabetic gastrointestinal disorders)
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Bladder dysfunction (residual urine, urine leakage)
3. focal neuropathy
- facial paralysis
- Numbness due to nerve compression in the wrist or elbow (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
Why are you afraid?
What is scary about diabetic neuropathy,Progression without symptoms.It is.
For example, when sensation in the feet is dulled, small shoe sores or burns can go unnoticed, leading to infection and ulceration. This can progress to "diabetic foot lesions," which in the worst case can lead to foot amputation.
Hypoglycemia unawareness due to autonomic neuropathy can also be life-threatening.
Risk Factors for Development
- Prolonged hyperglycemia (risk increases with longer history of diabetes)
- high blood pressure、dyslipidemia (dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia)
- Metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MASLD）
- smoking
- obesity
- insufficient exercise
All of these promote arteriosclerosis of blood vessels and exacerbate blood flow obstruction to nerves.
diagnostic procedure
Diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed by examination as well as symptoms.
- tactile examination(Monofilament method): Check plantar sensation
- Vibration Sense TestTuning fork: Evaluate vibration sensations in feet and hands with a tuning fork
- nerve conduction velocity test: Measuring the speed of nerve transmission with electrical stimulation
- Autonomic nerve function testMeasurement of: blood pressure variability and heart rate variability
Prevention and Treatment
1. blood sugar control
The greatest prevention and treatment of neuropathy is,Stabilizing blood glucose levels.It is.
Progression can be slowed by improving HbA1c.
2. exercise therapy
Aerobic exercise and muscle training are effective in improving blood flow and insulin sensitivity.
Our medical staff offers exercise programs suited to each individual and provides a safe environment for them to engage in.
3. foot care
- Check foot skin and nails daily
- Keep clean and dry
- Choose shoes that fit your feet.
4. symptomatic treatment of symptoms
- Medications for nerve pain (e.g., pregabalin, duloxetine)
- Pharmacotherapy and lifestyle guidance for autonomic neuropathy
Features of Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic
- Medical care by a diabetes specialist: Propose the best treatment according to your symptoms and life situation.
- Comprehensive Inspection System: Blood and urine tests, neurological function tests, and blood flow evaluations are performed in house.
- Exercise Therapy Practice SupportSafe training supervised by a medical professional
- Equipped with fundus examination equipmentDiabetic complications, including retinopathy, can be checked at once
summary
Diabetic neuropathy not only greatly reduces quality of life, but can also lead to amputations and life-threatening complications.
However,Prevention and control of progression is possible through periodic examinations and lifestyle modification.It is.
If you notice numbness, abnormal sensation, or dizziness, please see your doctor as soon as possible.
We are committed to the early detection and prevention of complications through our comprehensive testing system.
Diabetes Series - Related Article List
1. Know the basics of diabetes
- What is Diabetes - Why does blood sugar rise? Causes and Mechanisms Explained
Introduces the root causes of diabetes, including "insulin resistance," "heredity," and "lifestyle," which are all related to the development of diabetes, in an easy-to-understand manner. - Early Symptoms of Diabetes - Don't Miss the Early Detection Signs
Early signs that are difficult to recognize, such as thirst, polyuria, and weight loss, are carefully explained. - Diagnostic criteria for diabetes - Difference between HbA1c, blood glucose and OGTT and latest criteria
It summarizes the numerical values used for diagnosis and the key points of the recently revised diagnostic criteria. - Diabetes Testing - Comprehensive evaluation of blood, urine, and even complications
Introduction to the comprehensive examination system available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, including fundus examination, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.
2. Treatment and lifestyle modification
- Diabetes Treatment - Protecting Blood Sugar and Blood Vessels with Diet, Exercise, and Medication
Explains treatment strategies to "prevent complications" rather than "lower the numbers. - Diabetes Diet - Control Blood Sugar Effortlessly with Locavore
A practical diet that emphasizes how to eat, not what not to eat. - Diabetes and Exercise - Muscle is Medicine! The Science of Aerobic x Muscle Training
The benefits of exercise to directly lower blood sugar and how to create an easy to follow exercise routine. - Drug Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus - Latest Treatment Policies and Multi-Drug Approaches
The characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are compared, and the latest treatment trends are presented.
3. To prevent complications
- Complications of diabetes - Complication measures to remember with "shimeji" and "enoki" mushrooms
The six major complications of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, gangrene, stroke, and cardiac disease are explained together. - Neuropathy due to diabetes - Mechanisms and countermeasures for numbness and pain in hands and feet
Early signs of peripheral neuropathy and ways to improve life that should be done early. - Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction - Importance of Urine Albumin Testing and Habits to Protect
Practical approaches to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent dialysis. - Diabetes and Eye Disease - Causes of Blurred Vision and Early Detection of Retinopathy
Explains how fundus camera examinations work and the risks of neglect.
4. Prevention and early intervention
- Prevention of Diabetes - Reduce blood sugar waves and make your body less prone to diabetes.
Introduces diet, exercise, and sleep regimens to "get in shape before it happens," rather than "fix it after it happens. - Characteristics and constitution of people prone to diabetes - Self-check that you can do now
Early intervention is recommended by sorting out the risk of developing the disease, including heredity, fatty liver, and lack of exercise.
5. Our features and support system
- Lifestyle-related disease treatment at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic - Cross-cutting management of diabetes, MASLD, hypertension and dyslipidemia
Includes a comprehensive evaluation system including physician supervised exercise therapy, locavore diet support, fundus, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.