Approximately 70% of those suffering from diabetes will experience some form of nerve pain due to high glucose levels effect on your nervous system.

Neuralgia treatment is varied and highly dependent on the type and location of the neuralgia that is being experienced yet once numbness or tingling in your feet or hands is experienced you should make an appointment with your physician immediately.

Symptoms of neuralgia include pain, weakness and impaired function of the affected part of the body; sensitivity or numbness in the skin; pain the follows the path of a nerve; movement, touch or pressure causes pain.

Neuralgia is commonly found among the elderly but in reality can occur in anyone at any age.
If you are diabetic and experience any of these symptoms your physician’s first test will be to determine if your glucose levels are elevated. If the test comes back positive the primary goal will be to get your levels back under control.

Normally the symptoms will go away after the cause has been identified and reversed however it may take a few weeks depending on how long you experienced the symptoms prior to diagnosis.

To deal with the associated pain your physician will also probably prescribe pain medications which may include anti-depressant, anti-seizure, and even narcotic medication. Please be aware that these may be addictive, especially the narcotic medications, and will require frequent monitoring by your physician.

There are four general types of neuropathy, understanding each type and its causes can usually lead you down a path of treatment. The main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include irritation, tingling, or numbness. People suffering from this may also experience weakness, foot sores and infections. Autonomic neuropathy, the second most common type, affects the nerves at the heart, lungs, eyes, digestive system, and sex organs. The most typical symptoms include urinary problems, digestive issues, erectile dysfunction, and frequent changes in blood pressure. Proximal neuropathy, the third type of neuropathy, mainly affects the hips and thigh area. The basic symptoms of this type include pain and weakness near the buttock area, difficulty with movement as well as weight loss.  Focal neuropathy, the last type, is usually seen in the elderly and affects only a particular nerve. The most common indicators of this type are facial paralysis or distortion and double vision.

While high blood sugar is related to diabetic neuropathy, scientists are unsure how the nerves become damaged. It appears that high blood sugar hinders the nerves ability to transmit signals as well as destroying the capillaries. Diabetic neuropathy can also be triggered by smoking and alcohol abuse.Neuropathy treatment is associated with diabetes treatment, since it is diabetes that leads to this disorder in the first place. To treat this disease you want to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in control and avoid smoking and drinking. There is no complete cure for diabetic neuropathy, you can only manage the pain you have or try to alleviate it through diet, exercise and good blood sugar control. It is also vital to take proper care of your feet and make sure you do not develop any kind of sores or ulcers. The best way to manage your condition is to speak with your physician and ask for proper medical advice. Unfortunately diabetic neuropathy can be fatal if not treated properly.