What is it?

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. After many years of high levels of blood sugar, it causes nerve damage that begins in the legs and feet. Risk factors may include poor blood sugar control, kidney disease, obesity and smoking. The development of the condition is slow, and usually it progresses through decades. The danger in this situation is that because of the nerve damage, the patient will not feel pain of ulcers. If there is a prolonged peripheral neuropathy, the patient may be vulnerable to injuries or infections, alongside poor wound healing may lead to leg amputation. Other areas besides the legs may also be affected by this condition such as the bowel. There are four types of neuropathy; peripheral neuropathy is the most common type that affects the legs first and then the arms and hands. Autonomic neuropathy can cause hypoglycemia unawareness, bladder or bowel problems, gastroparesis, vomiting, loss of appetite and decreased sexual response. Proximal neuropathy affects the nerves in the thighs, hips, buttock, legs, abdominal and chest.In mononeuropathy (cranial or peripheral) a specific nerve is damaged in the eye, the face, fingers or hand.