Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Early Intervention

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, affecting nearly 50% of people with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes. It results from prolonged high blood glucose levels damaging the nerves—especially in the legs and feet—and can significantly impact quality of life if left undiagnosed. At Lucknow Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Centre, we frequently treat patients with foot ulcers, infections, and amputations caused by undetected neuropathy. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood sugar injures the small blood vessels that supply the nerves, leading to progressive nerve dysfunction. This may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, or total loss of sensation in the feet and hands.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause is prolonged elevated blood sugar. Additional risk factors include:

- Poor glycemic control
- Duration of diabetes over 10 years
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Kidney disease

Older adults, sedentary individuals, and patients with vascular disease are at higher risk.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

1. Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common type and typically affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain/temperature
- Tingling, burning, or sharp pains
- Cramps or muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Foot ulcers, infections, or deformities

2. Autonomic Neuropathy
This form impacts involuntary body functions and can cause:
- Gastroparesis (delayed digestion)
- Bladder dysfunction
- Sexual difficulties
- Irregular heart rate
- Excessive or reduced sweating

3. Focal Neuropathy
Also known as mononeuropathy, it affects a single nerve, often causing:
- Sudden weakness in an eye or leg
- Pain in lower back, chest, or abdomen
- Muscle weakness or twitching

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

- Numbness or tingling in toes or soles
- Burning pain, especially at night
- Unusual sensitivity to touch
- Weakness in the feet or ankles
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek early evaluation.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Timely detection of diabetic neuropathy helps prevent ulcers, infections, gangrene, and amputations. In fact, it is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations globally.

At our centre, early screening includes:
- Diabetic Foot Screening
- Digital Foot Scanning
- Gait & Pressure Analysis
- Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and Toe Brachial Index (TBI) testing

These tools allow us to detect nerve damage, circulatory deficits, and pressure points before symptoms escalate.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Although nerve damage can’t always be reversed, its progression can be slowed. Key strategies include:

1. Glucose Control
Maintain stable blood sugar levels to reduce nerve damage risk.

2. Regular Foot Care
Inspect feet daily for blisters, wounds, or pressure spots. Wear diabetic shoes or custom orthotics to prevent injuries.

3. Routine Screening
Annual foot exams, sensory testing, and vascular assessments detect issues early.

4. Lifestyle Changes
Eat healthy, stay active, quit smoking, and manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

5. Wound Management
For patients with open wounds, our centre provides advanced wound healing therapies including regenerative treatments and circulation-improving procedures.

When to See a Specialist

If you have diabetes and notice any unusual foot sensations, slow-healing wounds, or recurrent infections, consult a wound care specialist or vascular expert immediately. Early referral can prevent irreversible complications and save limbs.

Conclusion

Diabetic neuropathy is a progressive, yet largely preventable condition. With early screening, tight glucose control, and expert foot care, serious complications can be avoided. At Lucknow Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Centre, our multidisciplinary team is committed to protecting your feet, preserving your mobility, and improving your quality of life.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—book your diabetic foot screening today.