Neuropathy is on the rise at an alarming rate. Though neuropathy used to be a super rare condition, it is now arising among virtually all demographics.
The reason?
About 30 million people in the US alone are living with diabetes, which is one of the major causes of neuropathy.
Diabetes and Neuropathy
Neuropathy is the term for the process that leads to nerve damage and death. The blood vessels in the nerves become damaged because they receive too little oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, they eventually die.
In some cases of neuropathy such as autonomic neuropathy, many vital bodily functions are affected. Blood pressure regulation, digestion, sexual function, temperature control and urination are all affected by neuropathy.
Diabetes is a direct cause of neuropathy. The disease seriously damages blood vessels in this way by flooding the blood with glucose. Since diabetes is a lifelong disease, the elevated glucose levels end up causing an astonishing amount of nerve damage throughout the course of life.
In fact, this is why amputation is so common among diabetes patients. When too much nerve damage is done, the are of the body eventually dies off, too. At that point, amputation is necessary.
To prevent amputation from taking place, it is important to be aware of common signs and symptoms of neuropathy.
Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of nerve damage is light-headedness, especially upon standing.
Another common symptom is having a burning pain or sensation. Major nerve damage occurs along the nerve fibers that carry signals of pain or temperature. As the nerve damage spreads, so do these faulty signals. While the sensations may begin in the feet, they can eventually spread up through the entire body.
Lack of coordination and falling may also be a symptom, though it is less common. Damaged nerves remove that ability to sense where the ground is with the touch of the foot, so this causes people to stumble.
If you notice and tingling sensations or extreme sensitivity to touch, consider speaking with your doctor about the possible causes.
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