I was once diagnosed with this. I got a second opinion. I was misdiagnosed as it turned out.
Most Diabetics that develop neuropathy will see the "Peripheral Neuropathy" type which is caused by sugar damage to the blood vessels furthest from the heart (Feet/Legs, Fingers)
The other types are Autonomic (which mostly messes with digestion, bladder), Proximal (thighs, hips, buttocks but not the lower legs) and Focal which can affect the head or cause paralysis in a leg
The latter three types are extremely rare - statistically 1 in 2 Diabetics (of all types) will experience some level of Peripheral Neuropathy at some point during the course of the disease
To avoid all of them the only sure fire way is to keep your blood sugar at near normal levels (4.0-7.8 mmols or 70/72-140 points) over 75% of the time
Neuropathy is the most common complication because it doesn't need blood sugar levels to be "very high" to set in - sustained levels over 140/7.8 for greater than 6 hours a day will cause neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy (internal neuropathy) affects bodily functions and can cause:
- Sudden drops in blood pressure
- Problems with bowels or bladder
- Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) leading to heartburn and bloating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Problems with heart rate It's good that you got a second opinion, as Show Full Answer
@A DiabetesTeam Member
There are 4 types of diabetic neuropathy. It doesn't just affect your hands and feet. There's one that affects the face as well. I would find out why your calfs feel numb too
@A DiabetesTeam Member
Thank you for responding.
I’ve had neuropathy in my feet for several years but since my diagnosis it’s been much better. I would have the burning tingly sensations at night making sleep difficult. The Dr just said it was neuropathy when I explained the symptoms so when I go to my endocrinologist I’ll ask her about it. There are times my calf’s feel cold and I’m wondering if I have a circulation issue. I don’t have swelling even though at times it feels like they are. Not as frequent as it used to be but occasionally.