Diabetic neuropathy are neuropathic disorders that are associated with diabetes mellitus. These conditions are thought to result from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves (vasa nervorum) in addition to macrovascular conditions that can culminate in diabetic neuropathy. Relatively common conditions which may be associated with diabetic neuropathy include third nerve palsy; mononeuropathy; mononeuropathy multiplex; diabetic amyotrophy; a painful polyneuropathy; autonomic neuropathy; and thoracoabdominal neuropathy.
Signs and symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy affects all peripheral nerves including pain fibers, motor neurons and the autonomic nervous system. It therefore can affect all organs and systems, as all are innervated. There are several distinct syndromes based upon the organ systems and members affected, but these are by no means exclusive. A patient can have sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy or any other combination. Symptoms vary depending on the nerve/s affected and may include symptoms other than those listed. Symptoms usually develop gradually over years.
Symptoms may include:
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Dysesthesia (abnormal sensation to a body part)
Diarrhea
Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
Facial, mouth and eyelid drooping
Vision changes
Dizziness
Muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Speech impairment
Fasciculation (muscle contractions)
Burning or electric pain.
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