Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

Diabetic neuropathy involves the minor and major nerves of the body. Both the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems may be affected. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on the type of nerves that are affected. In some people, there may be no symptoms of neuropathy at all until it is well advanced.

Types of neuropathy

  • Peripheral diabetic neuropathy primarily affects the nerve endings in the hands and feet.
  • Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, causing disorder of the digestive or genitourinary systems, for example.
  • Proximal neuropathy involves major nerves.
  • Focal neuropathy involves a specific group of nerves.

Symptoms

Some examples of common symptoms are given below:

  • Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, numbness and a tingling or itching sensation across affected areas. These symptoms may be mild and therefore go unnoticed in the initial stages. As the condition develops, however, pain in the affected areas may become more severe.
  • In both focal and proximal neuropathy, there may be wasting of the muscles supplied by the affected nerves.
  • Focal neuropathy may affect muscles of the face, eyes, ears, lower back, chest, pelvis, abdomen, legs, thighs, feet, arms, hands and fingers.
  • There may be drooping of the eyelids, facial muscle changes and vision problems. Some people may have difficulty speaking or swallowing.
  • Chronic pain in the major nerve groups may lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy may gives rise to the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion or abdominal bloating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Bowel incontinence
  • Bladder problems
  • Weakness
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Impotence
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sweat gland changes

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, July 04). Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Diabetic-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Diabetic-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Diabetic-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Diabetic-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Semaglutide may lower Alzheimer's risk in type 2 diabetes patients