Diabetic Neuropathy

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

Individuals who have lived with diabetes for an extended period often experience consistently high blood sugar levels. Just as excess sugar can harm your teeth, high blood sugar can also damage the blood vessels that supply nourishment to your nerves. Over time, this damage limits the oxygen and nutrients your nerves receive, causing them to weaken and malfunction.

As both blood vessels and nerves deteriorate, other body systems begin to suffer. People with diabetic neuropathy may experience a range of complications such as skin issues, high blood pressure, digestive problems, kidney disease, vision changes, and even emotional or mental health challenges.

It’s important to note that diabetic neuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These peripheral nerves control sensation, movement, and function in the arms, legs, organs, and eyes, which is why symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can appear throughout the body.

Associated Disorders of Diabetic Neuropathy

There are many different types of neuropathies, and distinguishing diabetic neuropathy from other nerve-related conditions can sometimes be challenging. One key point to remember is that diabetic neuropathy only occurs in individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Below are several disorders and complications that may occur alongside or resemble diabetic neuropathy:

1. Mononeuropathy: This refers to damage to a single peripheral nerve, often caused by direct physical injury or pressure, such as from a fracture or prolonged compression. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. In severe cases, extended pressure can cause permanent nerve damage and loss of function.
2. Polyneuropathy: Unlike mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy involves multiple nerves throughout the body. It is often the result of systemic conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, or certain cancers. Because more nerves are affected, polyneuropathy typically causes more widespread and severe symptoms.
3. Amyotrophy: This form of neuropathy is closely associated with diabetes and affects the nerves supplying the hips, thighs, and legs. As these nerves become damaged, the muscles they control weaken, leading to difficulty with mobility and strength.
4. Third Nerve Palsy: Diabetes can also affect the cranial nerves that control eye movement. Damage to the third cranial nerve may result in eye pain, drooping eyelids, or difficulty moving the eye in various directions. However, this condition can also occur from other causes, so proper evaluation is important.
5. Mononeuropathy Multiplex: This condition develops gradually as multiple isolated nerves become damaged over time. It often presents as persistent pain or weakness in the lower back, hips, or legs and can significantly impact mobility and comfort.

Understanding these related conditions helps in properly identifying and addressing diabetic neuropathy. If you are experiencing nerve pain, tingling, or weakness, contact Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville to discuss natural approaches that support nerve health and function.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

It’s important to note that when diabetes is first diagnosed, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may not be present right away. This condition often develops gradually and can take many years—sometimes up to two decades—to become noticeable. Because of this slow progression, many people do not recognize the signs until nerve damage is more advanced. Identifying symptoms early can make a significant difference in managing discomfort and preventing further complications.

Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms reported by patients at Hargrave Chiropractic:

1. Numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the arms and legs
2. Persistent feelings of nausea or general sickness
3. Digestive issues such as diarrhea or difficulty with bowel movements
4. Feeling full after eating only small amounts
5. Trouble swallowing food or liquids
6. Vomiting shortly after eating
7. Changes in vision or speech
8. Weakness in the muscles of the arms and legs
9. Excessive or reduced sweating
10. Sexual dysfunction in both men and women
11. Sensitivity to temperature, such as feeling unusually hot or cold
12. Frequent urinary tract infections (especially in women)
13. Drooping or sagging eyelids
14. Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
15. Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort (note that these may also indicate a heart issue and should be taken seriously)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek evaluation and care. Contact Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville to learn more about natural ways to manage diabetic neuropathy and support overall nerve health.

Common Complications of Diabetic Neuropathy

While the signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy reveal how this condition affects the body, it’s also important to understand the potential complications that can develop if it progresses unchecked. In its advanced stages, diabetic neuropathy can cause significant loss of sensation—especially in the feet and legs. This numbness means that small injuries, blisters, or infections can go unnoticed, sometimes allowing them to worsen before being detected. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to tissue damage that may require amputation, though joint deformities in the feet and knees are more common precursors.

Another serious complication is the body’s reduced ability to detect dangerously low blood sugar levels. Normally, the body sends warning signals like shakiness, sweating, or dizziness when blood sugar drops too low. People with diabetic neuropathy, however, may not feel these signals, increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia and even life-threatening consequences if not addressed promptly.

Beyond these risks, many individuals with diabetic neuropathy experience additional challenges such as frequent urinary tract infections, digestive difficulties, dizziness, or ongoing nausea. These complications occur because the condition interferes with the body’s ability to properly regulate nerve signals that control essential functions.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or are experiencing any symptoms of neuropathy, early evaluation and care can make a meaningful difference. Contact Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville to learn more about ways to manage nerve health and improve your quality of life naturally.

Tests for Diabetic Neuropathy

Testing for diabetic neuropathy can range from a basic physical exam to more advanced diagnostic procedures. In many cases, the symptoms a patient presents with can strongly indicate the presence of nerve damage. At Hargrave Chiropractic, our team begins with an in-depth evaluation and, if necessary, can refer patients for specialized testing to confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate care.

During your visit, we typically start with a physical exam focused on assessing muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory function—especially in the legs and feet, where neuropathy is most common. The exam may include testing your reflexes, checking for skin color or texture changes, evaluating blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing, and identifying any areas of reduced sensation or numbness.

If additional insight is needed after the initial evaluation, further diagnostic testing may be recommended. Common tests used to confirm diabetic neuropathy include:

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle response to electrical stimulation to evaluate muscle health and nerve control.
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS or NMG): Tests how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves, helping identify damage or slowed function.

These tests can provide valuable information about the extent and location of nerve damage, allowing for a more accurate treatment plan. If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness, contact Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville for a thorough evaluation and guidance on managing diabetic neuropathy naturally.

Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy

As common as diabetes has become, effective treatment options for diabetic neuropathy remain limited. The best approach is still prevention—maintaining stable blood sugar levels and addressing early warning signs before nerve damage develops. Once diabetic neuropathy has set in, most treatment options focus on managing symptoms, especially pain, and supporting overall nerve health.

Because elevated blood sugar is a primary factor in the development of diabetic neuropathy, keeping glucose levels within a healthy range is crucial. Most healthcare professionals aim for blood sugar readings between 70–100 mg/dL. When the body functions properly, insulin and glucagon work together to regulate these levels, but in diabetes, this balance is disrupted, increasing the risk of complications.

Research led by Dr. Callaghan and others has shown that improved glucose control can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy, particularly in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. However, researchers also caution that overly aggressive control can lead to low blood sugar, which may cause dizziness, weakness, confusion, or even more severe issues such as coma or death. Finding the right balance is essential for safety and long-term management.

At Hargrave Chiropractic, we focus on supporting overall nerve function and circulation to help patients manage discomfort naturally. Gentle chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle recommendations, and nutritional support can all play a role in improving quality of life for those living with diabetic neuropathy.

If you’re struggling with neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy in Breaux Bridge LA, Lafayette LA, or Youngsville LA, contact Hargrave Chiropractic today. Our team can help you explore natural solutions to better manage your symptoms and support your body’s ability to heal.