What is diabetes neuropathy?

Diabetes Neuropathy is a common diabetic complication that results in damage to nerves located anywhere throughout the body, but usually affecting the legs and feet, and which causes tingling, numbness, burning and a painful sensation--much like a needle pin prick.

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy:

• Peripheral
• Autonomic
  
• Proximal
• Focal
  

While any part of the diabetes patient's body can be affected, usually the lower extremities are affected, such as the legs and feet.

The stomach, urinary tract and sex organs are affected under Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy.

Symptoms of this type of neuropathy include throwing up, stomach bloat, diarrhea, constipation and nausea.

Females might notice less vaginal lubrication or experience a decrease in the number of orgasms or an inability to orgasm. 

Males might experience erectile dysfunction or an inability to ejaculate. 

Symptoms of diabetic proximal neuropathy include weakness in the legs, or pain, usually on one side of the thighs, hips or butt.

Symptoms of diabetic focal neuropathy include double vision, eye pain or paralysis on one side of the face; chest or abdominal pain. 

The best way for a diabetes patient to avoid developing diabetic neuropathy is to follow the doctor's advice and maintain tight control over recommended blood glucose ("sugar") levels.