The connection between diabetes and body numbness

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. This condition can lead to a wide range of complications, including neuropathy or nerve damage, which can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in various parts of the body.

Body numbness is a common symptom of diabetic neuropathy. The condition can affect any nerve in the body, but it most often affects the nerves in the feet and legs. As neuropathy progresses, it can cause numbness to spread to other parts of the body, including the hands and arms.

There are several different types of neuropathy that can occur in people with diabetes, each of which can cause different symptoms. The most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include tingling, numbness, burning, or shooting pain in the affected areas.

Another type of neuropathy that can occur in people with diabetes is autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves that control internal organs, including the heart, bladder, and digestive system. Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

The exact cause of diabetic neuropathy is not fully understood, but researchers believe that high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time. Other factors that may contribute to the development of neuropathy in people with diabetes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a lack of physical activity.

Fortunately, there are several steps that people with diabetes can take to prevent or manage neuropathy. These may include:

• Controlling blood sugar levels: Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is one of the most important steps in preventing or managing neuropathy. This may involve taking insulin or other medications as prescribed by a doctor, as well as making dietary and lifestyle changes to help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
  
  Keep your diabetes under control with A1CNow® Self Check – the same reliable test used by healthcare professionals.
  
• Practicing good foot care: People with diabetes should take special care to protect their feet from injury, as even minor cuts or scrapes can lead to serious infections. Good foot care may include wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, checking feet regularly for signs of injury or infection, and seeking prompt medical attention for any foot problems.
  
• Getting regular check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help detect neuropathy early, when it may be easier to manage. People with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year, and may need more frequent check-ups if they have a history of foot problems.
  
• Making healthy lifestyle choices: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can all help reduce the risk of developing neuropathy, as well as other complications of diabetes.

Body numbness is a common symptom of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. While the exact cause of neuropathy is not fully understood, high blood sugar levels are believed to play a key role. Fortunately, there are several steps that people with diabetes can take to prevent or manage neuropathy, including controlling blood sugar levels, practicing good foot care, getting regular check-ups, and making healthy lifestyle choices. If you experience numbness or other symptoms of neuropathy, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.