How does diabetes cause neuropathy?

Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.

How does diabetes cause neuropathy?

Diabetes causes neuropathy, specifically diabetic neuropathy, through several interconnected mechanisms, all of which result from prolonged high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and the associated metabolic changes. Here are the primary ways diabetes leads to nerve damage:

1. Hyperglycemia and Nerve Damage

Direct glucose toxicity: Chronic high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves by increasing the amount of glucose inside nerve cells. This excess glucose can be converted into substances like sorbitol and fructose, which accumulate and lead to oxidative stress, disrupting normal nerve function.
Glycation of proteins: Hyperglycemia also leads to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which modify proteins and fats in the body. These modified molecules cause inflammation and oxidative damage, contributing to nerve degeneration.

2. Impaired Blood Flow to Nerves

Microvascular damage: Hyperglycemia can damage small blood vessels (microangiopathy), reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. The nerves, particularly those farthest from the heart (in the feet and hands), rely on small blood vessels for nourishment. Damage to these vessels leads to ischemia (lack of oxygen), which can weaken and eventually destroy the nerves.
Endothelial dysfunction: High blood sugar causes dysfunction in the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels. This reduces the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly, further limiting blood flow to the nerves.

3. Oxidative Stress

Excessive free radicals: Hyperglycemia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to the nerves. Nerve cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, and the buildup of these free radicals leads to the degeneration of nerve fibers.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: The energy-producing structures in cells, called mitochondria, are affected by high blood sugar, leading to increased oxidative stress and damage to the nerve cells.

4. Chronic Inflammation

Low-grade systemic inflammation: Diabetes is associated with chronic inflammation, which contributes to nerve damage. Elevated blood sugar leads to an immune response that results in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory molecules damage the nerves and blood vessels supplying the nerves.
Immune-mediated damage: In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly target and attack the nerves, contributing to neuropathy in people with diabetes.

5. Metabolic Changes

Dyslipidemia: People with diabetes often have abnormal lipid profiles (high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol), which can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, further restricting blood flow to nerves.
Altered nerve metabolism: Nerve cells require glucose for energy, but in the context of diabetes, the altered metabolism and toxic effects of glucose impair normal cellular processes, leading to nerve cell death.

6. Nerve Fiber Loss

Axonal degeneration: Over time, the nerve fibers (axons) become damaged and degenerate. This leads to a reduction in nerve signals, causing the typical symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, such as numbness, tingling, and pain.
Demyelination: The protective myelin sheath surrounding the nerves may also be damaged, slowing down or disrupting nerve signal transmission. This further impairs sensation and motor function.

7. Increased Susceptibility to Mechanical Damage

Reduced sensation: As diabetic neuropathy progresses, the reduced sensation in the extremities (especially the feet) increases the risk of unnoticed injuries or pressure sores. These injuries, coupled with poor wound healing due to diabetes, can worsen the neuropathy and lead to further complications, such as infections and ulcers.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes can lead to various forms of neuropathy, including:

Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most common type, affecting the feet, legs, hands, and arms, causing numbness, tingling, or pain.
Autonomic Neuropathy: This affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls internal organs, leading to problems with heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and bladder control.
Proximal Neuropathy: This affects the hips, thighs, and buttocks, often causing muscle weakness.
Focal Neuropathy: Sudden, isolated nerve damage, often in the head, torso, or legs.

In summary, diabetes causes neuropathy primarily through a combination of high blood sugar levels, vascular damage, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, all of which lead to nerve damage and dysfunction. Effective blood sugar control is essential in preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic neuropathy.

Jodi Knapp