What is diabetic neuropathy?

June 11, 2025


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.


What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs as a complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can injure nerves throughout the body, most commonly affecting the legs and feet.

Key Points About Diabetic Neuropathy:
Cause: Prolonged high blood glucose damages nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish them.

Types:

Peripheral neuropathy (most common): Causes numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the feet and hands.

Autonomic neuropathy: Affects nerves that control internal organs, causing digestive issues, bladder problems, and heart rate irregularities.

Proximal neuropathy: Causes pain and weakness in the thighs, hips, or buttocks.

Focal neuropathy: Sudden weakness or pain in specific nerves, often in the head, torso, or legs.

Symptoms
Tingling, burning, or numbness

Sharp or stabbing pain

Muscle weakness

Loss of balance or coordination

Digestive problems, urinary issues, or sexual dysfunction (in autonomic neuropathy)

Importance of Management
Keeping blood sugar under control is crucial to prevent or slow progression.

Treatments focus on managing symptoms, protecting feet, and addressing complications.

If you want, I can explain ways to prevent diabetic neuropathy or how it’s diagnosed and treated!

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs that causes damage to the peripheral nerves—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This nerve damage leads to symptoms primarily in the hands and feet.

What Happens in CIPN?
Chemotherapy drugs intended to kill cancer cells can also harm peripheral nerves.

This damage disrupts nerve signaling, leading to sensory, motor, and sometimes autonomic symptoms.

Common Symptoms
Numbness or tingling (often starting in fingers and toes)

Burning or shooting pain

Sensitivity to touch or temperature

Weakness or loss of coordination

Balance problems or difficulty walking

Which Chemotherapy Drugs Cause CIPN?
Platinum compounds (e.g., cisplatin, oxaliplatin)

Taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel, docetaxel)

Vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine)

Proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib)

Others depending on treatment regimen

Impact of CIPN
Can significantly affect quality of life

May limit chemotherapy dose or duration

Symptoms can be temporary or persist long-term after treatment

Management Strategies
Dose adjustments or changing chemotherapy drugs

Medications for neuropathic pain (e.g., gabapentin, duloxetine)

Physical therapy and occupational therapy

Complementary approaches (e.g., acupuncture)

Summary:
CIPN is nerve damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, leading to numbness, pain, and weakness primarily in the hands and feet. Early recognition and management are important to reduce symptoms and maintain quality of life during cancer treatment.

Want to know more about prevention or treatments for CIPN?


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.