Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes can lead to many complications over time. One of the most common and relevant complications is neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is most commonly caused by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) over long periods of time. There are four major types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral, proximal, autonomic, and focal neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy in people with diabetes and can be either acute or chronic. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that lead to the body’s extremities such as the feet, hands, arms, and legs. Proximal neuropathy, also known as amyotrophy, is a neuropathy found more often in type 2 diabetics. It can be caused by endoneural micro vessel disease and causes muscle weakness in the upper legs, buttocks, and hips. Autonomic neuropathy often co-exists with other complications such as peripheral neuropathy, but it can be isolated as well. Autonomic neuropathy is nerve damage to the central nervous system which can lead to complications such as: tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure), erectile dysfunction, sudomotor dysfunction, and impaired muscle control. Autonomic neuropathy can also affect many organ systems and lead to a serious complication known as cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN). CAN results from damage to nerves that innervate the heart and blood vessels. Lastly, focal neuropathy is specific to one single nerve and causes pain in that lone location. It is found commonly in older individuals and is also known to improve itself over time.
Recent comments