Symptoms of Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is of four major types. You may have symptoms of one type or several as well. Most of the symptoms develop over a graduate period, and these symptoms may not be visible unless a major damage is caused. Below are some signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, depending on the type of neuropathy and which nerves it affects:

Peripheral neuropathy
One of the most common forms of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. The parts that are often affected first are the feet and legs, which is then followed by your hands and arms. Usually, the sign and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and the symptoms may include:

Reduced ability or numbness to feeling temperature changes or pain as well.
A burning or tingling sensation.
Cramps or sharp pains.
You might feel an increased sensitivity towards touch. This can be to an extent where the weight of a bed sheet can be agonizing.
Loss of reflexes, especially in the ankle.
Muscle weakness.
There can be serious food problems like ulcers, deformities, infections, bone, or joint pain.
One can lose balance and coordination as well.

Autonomic neuropathy
The autonomic neuropathy is a type of diabetic neuropathy that targets the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic neuropathy system controls your bladder, heart, stomach, reproductive organs, lungs, intestines, and eyes as well. Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves in any of these organs and can cause:

Blood sugar levels can become low.
Urinary tract infections, urinary retention, incontinence, and other bladder problems maybe are faced as well.
Uncontrolled diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.
Slow stomach emptying, vomiting, leading to nausea, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Erectile dysfunction in men.
Vaginal dryness and other sexual difficulties in women.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Decreased or increased sweating.
The body temperature has regulating problems.
There can be changes in the way your eyes adjust from light to dark.
There can be an increased heart rate even while you are resting.
There can be sharp drops in blood pressure after sitting or standing as your body may face an inability to adjust to blood pressure and heart rate causing you to faint or feel lightheaded.

Radiculoplexus neuropathy
Radiculoplexus neuropathy is a type of diabetic neuropathy which is also known as diabetic amyotrophy. Nerves of thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs cane are affected by radiculoplexus neuropathy. This condition is more common with type 2 diabetes and older adults. Usually, the symptoms are seen on one side of the body; however, in other cases, the symptoms may spread to the other side as well. Some symptoms that may be seen are:

Severe pain in your thighs, hips, or buttocks.
Difficulty in rising from a sitting position.
Eventually weak and atrophied thigh muscles.
Weight loss.
If your abdomen is affected, there can be abdominal swelling as well.

Recommended Read: Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is a type of diabetic neuropathy that damages a specific nerve. The nerve may be in the face, leg, or torso. Mononeuropathy can cause severe pain, but usually, it is not long-term. Below are some signs and symptoms depend on which nerve is involved and may include: