Symptoms of neuropathy can come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the types of nerves involved. Unfortunately, diabetes is the most common cause of neurophathy so we diabetics need to be aware of the symptoms because early intervention is important in treatment and recovery. In most cases, the early symptoms are weakness, pain, or numbness. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, stumbling or tiring easily, muscle cramps, trouble holding onto objects, an unsteady gait, dizziness when standing up may be symptoms. Some people complain of their hands and feet feeling as though they are wearing gloves or slippers when they are not. Because the peripheral nerves involve so many areas, there are many different types of symptoms. This can lead to problems getting a diagnoses since so many of these symptoms also relate to other illnesses. If you notice one or more of these symptoms for an extended time, check with your doctor. You may need to see a neurologist, a doctor who specialty is the brain and nerve disorders. A complete history of the symptoms should be presented and such tests as an EMG (electromyography), blood tests and urine tests will probably be done.
This is not a medical site. I am a grandmother diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the spring of 2007. My mother and two of my grandparents had been diabetics so I was not surprised when I was diagnosed. What did surprise me, however, was my visit with a nutritionist. I went home and tried to follow her advice. My blood sugar did not begin to come under control. After throwing her advice to the wind and relying on the information I had researched for my mother years ago, my common sense, and the advice from several on-line medical sites, my blood sugar is now under control averaging in the low 90s. When I was diagnosed my blood sugar was almost 500! I want to share my experience with others and let diabetics know they can still ENJOY GOOD FOOD including SUGAR in most cases. WARNING: DO NOT DROP YOUR DOCTOR'S OR NUTRITIONIST'S ADVICE WITHOUT CONSULTING THEM AND MAKE CHANGES GRADUALLY! I AM NEITHER A DOCTOR NOR NUTRIONIST. I just want to share with you what I have learned that has been beneficial to me. Hopefully, it will be of help to you in some way as together we wade through the muddy waters of diabetes.