Diabetic neuropathy is a group of disorders drawn from diabetes. It usually inflicts damage to the digestive tract especially the stomach as well as the urinary system and reproductive organs. There are different factors that lead to neuropathy which, in turn, depends on the type of neuropathy acquired. It can be due to mechanical injury, lifestyle factors, and a few more.

Symptoms of this type of neuropathy depend on the nerves that are affected and the type of neuropathy the patient have. Minor symptoms occur first which may go unnoticed for a long time. Symptoms of nerve damage include lack of feeling, stinging, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers.  The best way to prevent getting diabetic neuropathy is keeping your blood sugar levels under control.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy affects the digestive system, blood vessels and the sex organs. In the digestive system, symptoms include bloating or feeling of fullness after small meals, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea or loose bowel movement is due to the damage in the nerves which leads to abnormal functioning of the intestinal muscles that can move the food too fast or too slow (constipation). Heartburn or the reflux of acid from the stomach back to the esophagus can be due to the damage of acid to the nerves. To alleviate these symptoms, eat smaller meals and take some medications as prescribed.

When it is the blood vessels that get affected, symptoms include increased heart rate, dizziness and low blood pressure. You might be experiencing abnormal heart rates or palpitations which is normal if you are under stress. But, there are times when palpitations include chest pains which can cause mild discomfort. Dizziness can be caused by ketoacidosis when you have diabetes so that whenever you stand up too quickly, you feel dizzy. Treatments for these indications include avoid standing up too quickly, take medications and wear special stockings.

Male sex organs symptoms include erectile dysfunction and “dry” ejaculations. These can be treated by penile injections and vacuum erection devices. It also affects the female reproductive system by decreasing production of vaginal fluid and decreased or no orgasms.  Lubricants, vaginal estrogen c reams and suppositories are offered for these symptoms.

The urinary tract can also be affected when you have diabetic neuropathy. If you can not completely empty your bladder or have “leaking” urine (incontinence), you may be afflicted with this disorder. Increased urination at night can also be a symptom. To treat these, you can self-catheterize or undergo surgery.