A common, serious complication

If you are diabetic, you probably have experienced symptoms of DPN or diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerve fibers throughout your body; however, diabetic neuropathy most often damages the nerves in your legs and feet.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common, serious complication of diabetes. Yet you can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with good blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle. 

It is estimated that 26 million people in the United States, or 11.3 percent of the total population are affected by diabetes, and 60 to 70 percent of those people have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage due to DPN. From 1980 to 2010, the prevalence of diabetes diagnosed increased by 176 percent.

The incidence of diabetes is also increasing in our youth. If current trends continue, 15 percent of American adults (more than 37 million Americans) will be living with diabetes by the end of 2015. Nearly 8 percent of Missouri residents – one in 12 people – have been diagnosed with diabetes,

For those who live with DPN, their pain is real. Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your extremities to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. For some people, these symptoms are mild, for others, DPN can be painful, disabling and even fatal.

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy being the most common type. You may have just one type or symptoms of several types. Most develop gradually, and you may not notice problems until considerable damage has occurred.

The signs and symptoms of DPN vary, depending on which nerves are affected. Peripheral Neuropathy is the most common form of DPN. Your feet and legs are often affected first, followed by your hands and arms. Possible signs and symptoms include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, especially in your feet and toes.

Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling symptoms and preventing more severe problems, so as with other medical conditions, consult your doctor. And while diabetes and DPN incidences are rising, there is treatment to manage the pain and other symptoms. Be sure you and your doctor discuss the best treatment for you. 

Anyone who has diabetes can develop neuropathy, but poor blood sugar control, length of time you have diabetes, kidney disease and smoking can make you more susceptible to nerve damage or DPN. Loss of a limb is a severe complication of DPN. 

Screening for DPN can be easily performed in your doctors office annually. Your physician can perhaps offer some treatment options that are now available by prescription.