Question

Explain the process through which diabetes damages your nerves (neuropathy)

Answer 1

Neuropathy Is one of the long term complication of diabetics which affect the nerves.

Nerves carry messages between the brain and every parts of the bodies, making it possible to see,hear, feel, and move. Nerves also carry signals that we are not aware of to parts of the body such as heart altering the rate it beats at, and lungs, so we can breath. So damage to the nerves can cause problems in various parts of the body.

Diabetes can cause neuropathy as a result of high blood glucose levels damaging the small blood vessels which supply the nerves. This prevents essential nutrients reaching the nerves. The nerve fibers are then damaged or disappear.

SENSORY NEUROPATHY

Sensory neuropathy affect the nerves that carry messages of touch,temperature, pain, and other sensation from skin and bone and muscle to brain. It mainly affect the nerves in the feet and the legs, but it can develop in arms and hands.

SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE

• Tingling and numbness
• Loss of ability to feel pain
• Loss ability to detect changes in temperature
• Loss of coordination- when you loose your joint position sense
• Burning or shooting pains- these may be worse at the night time.

Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that carry information to your organs and glands. They help to control some functions without you consciously directing them, such stomach emptying, bowl control, heart beating and sexual organ working.

COMPLICATIONS

• Gastroparesis
• Loss of bladder control, leading to incontinence
• Irregular heart beat
• Impotence

Motor neuropathy

It will affect the nerves which controls the movements.

COMPLICATIONS

• Muscle weaknes
• Muscle wasting
• Muscle twitching and cramps.

TREATMENT FOR NEUROPATHY

• Medication for Nosia, vomitting
• Painkiller for sensory neuropathy