Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage which is caused by long standing diabetes. The injury to the blood vessels by elevated blood sugars causes a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, most commonly in the toes, feet and lower legs, but also in the fingers and hands.
Symptoms include progressive numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature; tingling, burning, prickling sensation; sharp pain or cramps; or extreme sensitivity to touch. If symptoms are in the lower limbs, loss of balance or coordination can occur because of the weakened muscles leading to falls. Blisters or sores may develop in numb areas, resulting in infections which may lead to amputation, making it important to have regular foot exams.
The risk of developing neuropathy increases with age and with those who have uncontrolled blood sugars, elevated blood fat, and high blood pressure. Other causes include autoimmune factors which lead to inflammation of the nerves and smoking which decreased oxygen to tissues.
Besides keeping the blood sugars in a normal range, treatment for pain includes antidepressants, anticonvulsants or opiods; and topical lidocaine or capsaicin cream. Some supplements that have shown promise include alpha lipoic acid (50mg/day) and omega 3 oils for inflammation. Acupuncture may also help with pain control. A newer therapy, cold laser, has shown in clinical trials to increase blood flow and help regenerate damaged nerves as well as accelerate wound healing for diabetic ulcers.
Sources:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies
Diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy: effect of low intensity laser therapy; Lasers Med Sci, 2011
A randomized clinical trial on the effect of low level laser therapy on chronic diabetic foot wound healing; Photmed Laser Surg; 2011
