A diabetic who lets their condition get out of control is not monitoring their blood sugar levels and as such their blood-sugar will likely be very high. High blood-sugar causes damage on a micro-vascular level, meaning it’ll do damage to the tiniest blood vessels in our body. These blood vessels are most commonly found in our eyes and extremities (hands a feet), damage in these places can lead to eventual blindness and the necessitation for amputation. The micro-vascular attack will also eventually cause neuropathy which is specific damage done to the nervous system, it generally takes about a decade between the diagnoses of diabetes and the forming of a diabetic neuropathy.
There are several type of diabetic neuropathy:
– Peripheral neuropathy, this is the leading cause of gangrene and eventual amputation. It’s a loss of sensation in the extremities which can lead to minor cuts and abrasions being missed or ignored which in turn can get infected and turn nasty quickly. When infection spreads uncontrolled it may require an amputation to prevent it spreading further.
– Autonomic Neuropathy, this effect the nerves that control your heart. Damage here can lead to a fluctuating heart rate and possible complications along the lines of heart disease.
– Proximal neuropathy, this effects the hips and thighs and can lead to pain and a general loss in mobility. It generally only affects one side of the body but can be immensely uncomfortable and distressing.
– Focal neuropathy, a pain a muscle weakness which can suddenly appear in any part of the body. Nerves in your upper body, head and extremities are most often affected. This condition can cause double vision and facial weakness.