Experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, and stabbing sensations in the extremities, alongside a loss of balance and hand coordination, are all indicative of peripheral neuropathy. Millions of Americans deal with these symptoms daily.
Those affected often struggle to comprehend these sensations and their connection to chronic health conditions. Many have not experienced severe injuries or major health issues, yet they still endure the debilitating effects of peripheral neuropathy.
An Outsider’s View On Peripheral Neuropathy Causes
For those who have never encountered this condition, the symptoms may appear bewildering. Outsiders are often astonished to learn that type 2 diabetes is the most probable cause. How can one’s diet and blood sugar levels lead to nerve pain in distant parts of the body?
While type 2 diabetes is a primary cause, peripheral neuropathy can also result from significant injuries or accidents.
Nevertheless, with type 2 diabetes being the most common cause, the rising prevalence of this condition correlates with an increased occurrence of peripheral neuropathy and a decreased quality of life for those affected and their loved ones.
Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes And Peripheral Neuropathy
Physicians have labeled type 2 diabetes an epidemic due to its severe complications, including nerve damage associated with peripheral neuropathy. The link between type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy is both profound and intricate.
To comprehend how diabetes leads to nerve damage, it’s essential to explore the diagnosis and the body’s metabolic responses. Type 2 diabetes is primarily identified by assessing insulin production and function. The pancreas produces insulin to manage blood sugar levels, but in type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin. This resistance means that despite high levels of insulin, blood sugar remains elevated, causing numerous complications.
Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is central to this damage. It leads to the formation of harmful compounds called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which accumulate and disrupt nerve function. Additionally, high blood sugar causes oxidative stress, where an excess of free radicals damages cells and tissues, including nerves.
Moreover, diabetes affects the microvasculature, the tiny blood vessels supplying nerves with nutrients and oxygen. High blood sugar can cause these vessels to narrow and harden, reducing blood flow to the nerves. This results in ischemia, a lack of oxygen that further damages nerve tissues.
In the nervous system, Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath around nerves, are particularly vulnerable to high glucose levels. Damage to these cells disrupts the insulation and proper functioning of nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain.
Therefore, the relationship between type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy is not just a coincidence but a direct outcome of the metabolic disturbances caused by diabetes. By understanding these mechanisms, it becomes clear why managing blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and mitigating peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients.
Insulin Resistance And Neuron Damage
Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed by assessing insulin levels, which help balance blood sugar. The pancreas produces insulin to manage blood sugar after meals. However, as sugar intake increases, the body requires more insulin. When maximum sugar intake is reached, insulin may not suffice to regulate blood sugar levels.
As blood sugar levels rise, the body requires more insulin. Over time, cells become resistant to insulin, preventing glucose from entering them efficiently. This leads to persistent high blood sugar, contributing to nerve damage.
Physicians Liumeng Jian and Guangda Yang’s 2020 study found that diabetes-related metabolic factors, such as increased glucose and decreased insulin, lead to diabetic neuropathy. This includes injury to neurons, microvascular endothelium, and Schwann cells, all contributing to neuropathy (2020).
Symptoms Of Nerve Damage From Type 2 Diabetes
Damage to neurons, which transmit sensory information to the brain, can cause patients to lose sensation in their extremities. Here are some key symptoms:
Sensitivity To Touch
Peripheral nerve damage often leads to heightened touch sensitivity in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. This sensitivity is frequently described as a “tingling” or “pins and needles” sensation, and patients may also feel as though they are wearing gloves or socks when they are not. This discomfort can become extreme, causing significant pain even from light touches, such as from bedsheets.
Muscle Weakness
Type 2 diabetes can damage motor nerves, which are essential for muscle movement. This damage can lead to muscle weakness, affecting the ability to perform daily tasks. Patients might experience painful cramps, muscle shrinking, and uncontrollable muscle twitching. These symptoms severely impact mobility and overall quality of life.
Balance Issues
Damage to sensory nerves caused by type 2 diabetes can also result in balance problems. This manifests as a loss of sense of position, making it more challenging to perform complex movements such as walking or maintaining balance with eyes closed. Patients often report feeling unstable and may need support to move around, leading to increased anxiety and a reduced willingness to engage in physical activities.
Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy Based On Diabetic Symptoms
Doctors frequently check for signs of peripheral neuropathy by using a soft tool to gently run over the patient’s toes and feet. They may also test the neurons’ response to sharp pain with a needle prick and assess the sensitivity to heat and cold.
If patients exhibit little to no sensation from these methods, the doctor may diagnose peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, various other diagnostic tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity.
Ultimately, the link between peripheral neuropathy and type 2 diabetes is well-established. However, as previously mentioned, peripheral neuropathy can also result from significant physical injury.
Regardless of the cause, the damage to the neurons that transmit pain signals to the brain is indicative of a clear diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
Damaged Neurons Cause Sensory Signal Breakdown
Peripheral neuropathy can be confusing and frustrating. Even with a basic understanding of the condition, patients often struggle to understand why they experience numbness in one area and pain in another.
Patients frequently report balance issues when getting out of bed, a significant factor in reduced quality of life, leading to anxiety and decreased physical activity.
Loss of sleep, directly related to neuropathy pain, further diminishes quality of life.
Integrated Treatment Approach From NextPain Care
Regardless of its cause, peripheral neuropathy presents a significant challenge. Effective treatments are essential to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
At NextPain Care, we understand the daily challenges faced by individuals dealing with peripheral neuropathy. As a physician-led organization, we distinguish ourselves by incorporating physical therapy and behavioral therapy into our innovative three-tiered system. Our methodology is underpinned by evidence-based results and data, ensuring the effectiveness and scientific validation of our treatments.
We emphasize commencing treatment with conservative measures like physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication management to effectively address your pain with minimal invasiveness. Should minimally invasive methods prove inadequate, we delve into advanced solutions such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation for more holistic pain relief.
Our committed team formulates a tailored treatment strategy for each patient, blending diverse therapies to tackle the complex nature of your condition. We are devoted to fostering a supportive and empathetic atmosphere, guaranteeing your comfort and well-being throughout your treatment journey. This unique combination enables us to deliver comprehensive care that caters to the multifaceted requirements of our patients, setting us apart in the healthcare industry.
Regain your comfortable lifestyle despite peripheral neuropathy.
