Managing the Complications of Diabetic Neuropathy

We know that high blood sugar levels in Diabetes damage nerve cells of the legs and forearms and diabetes also affects nerves controlling movement, sensation, and other functions. Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition that is followed by nerve damage with chronic Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet, and hands. Further, it can also cause complications in the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. This condition is quite painful and disabling and many times patients complain of balance and coordination issues. Therefore, this condition at a long stage can cause serious complications. 

According to World Health Organization , there are nearly  77 million adults (20-79 years) diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. In India alone, there is a significant portion of the population that gets affected by this complication (Diabetic Neuropathy). According to some research, it has been suggested that roughly 18-22 million people could potentially be living with diabetic neuropathy.

This suggests that we need to be cautious about this condition and need to know further about: 

→ What are the main types of this condition that can affect an individual?

→ What is the best solution available for this?

Have a Glance at the Types of Complications in Diabetic Neuropathy and the complications

It has been observed that more than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status and this can lead to health complications if not detected and treated at an early stage. Given below are the types and effects, this complication can have:

• Peripheral neuropathy: It is a condition wherein the nerves of the legs and hands get damaged. It reduces sensations and can cause pain, burning, numbness, and muscle weakness. This type can also cause serious foot ulcers. Mostly type one Diabetes Mellitus patients are affected with peripheral neuropathy.

• Autonomic neuropathy: In this type, nerve damage affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which usually controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, eye health, digestive system, and bladder function. This condition primarily arises because of hypoglycemia and is often a result of poor blood sugar control in diabetes. 

• Proximal neuropathy: This complication usually affects the nerves of the lower body, primarily affecting the nerves of hips or thighs. More muscular weakness is encountered by such individuals and causes mobility issues. It can be observed commonly in older adults having type 2 diabetes and can be improved with proper management.

• Mononeuropathy : This complication usually affects a single nerve, involving the nerves of the face, torso, arms, or legs leading to isolated symptoms. It can lead to sudden pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected area. It is usually characterized by a sudden appearance of the symptoms and can be managed with physiotherapy.

If you or a loved one notices any unusual nerve responses, we encourage you to explore how ABTP can help manage this condition and to contact us right away. At ABTP, we address diabetes-related complications by preventing neuromuscular posture issues that can lead to balance problems. Our approach is focused on comprehensive care to support stability and well-being.

How ABTP Prevents Complications Due to Diabetic Neuropathy 

With the help of advanced physiotherapy solutions available at the ABTP Centers near you, we work on your muscle strength. This further helps consume glucose molecules for energy expenditure. This protects the mitochondria and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis (increasing the number of mitochondria - the energy house within the cells).

This further improves the health of nerves and also enhances the repair mechanism in the nerve cells. With regular physiotherapy sessions at ABTP, the repair mechanisms get enhanced and can further help restore balance, preventing falls in diabetic patients with neuropathy. 

Let’s have a look at how regular physiotherapy counterbalances the issues encountered in Diabetes & can specifically help prevent fall.

Let’s have a look at how regular physiotherapy counterbalances the issues encountered in Diabetes & can specifically help prevent fall.

Flexibility Program: Progressive stretching at ABTP provides positive proprioceptive feedback (the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space) to the brain, helping improve balance and posture by enhancing body awareness.

Strength Training: The strength training programs at ABTP incorporate various modes like isometric exercises, graded weight training, and open/closed chain movements, which help maintain neuromuscular junction health, promoting stability and balance.

Aerobic Activity: Including aerobic exercises in the training regimen at ABTP enhances the body's proprioceptive mechanisms (the body's ability to perceive its movement and position), which are crucial for improving balance, especially in diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy.

Posture and Balance Training: Advanced sports science interventions at ABTP, including gait training, empower individuals to regain control over posture, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall stability.