Diabetes Chronic Complications

Chronic complications are perhaps the most feared, even though when they are caught early there is a chance of reversing some of the processes. It is only when there is an end, stage process working (that is, when there has been cell damage or destruction) that little can be done. Again: The best way to prevent or delay complications is to keep the blood, glucose levels in the normal range as much of the time as possible. Neuropathy 'Neuropathy is easily recognized by burning and tingling sensations, pain or numbness, and lack of function. The pain associated with neuropathy often decreases with lowered and normalized blood, glucose levels, but it may even increase temporarily. The discomfort of neuropathy may be worse at night, and you may feel some discomfort from the bedclothes touching your feet (an object can be placed on the bed, with the covers placed over it so that they do not touch your feet). No one knows just why the discomfort increases at night, but it is possible that it is just increased perception of pain when there is nothing else to distract our attention. Pain may also increase during the healing process. Perhaps as new blood vessels form and as the nerves become resensitized or new ones grow, they become more sensitive. The increased discomfort may thus mean that something is improving rather than that something is wrong. Your physician will assist you so that you can be as comfortable as possible during this uncomfortable time (the discomfort usually lasts from about six months to a year). Some people feel more discomfort with exercise, even just mild walking. This discomfort may not be related to neuropathy alone. Pain in the legs with walking that is relieved by rest is probably caused by an obstruction to blood flow in an artery of the leg due to diabetes or general vascular (blood vessel) disease (that is, you can have high cholesterol levels but not have diabetes). This cramping condition is called "intermittent claudication." Medications may be given that allows the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels. Another treatment is to open an artery through angioplasty (a balloon) or laser treatment, or through surgically bypassing the obstruction (bypass graft). Numbness is the other side of the coin. People have experienced bizarre episodes such as having a tack in the foot without knowing it until they do their daily foot inspection! This is why daily foot inspection is so important (along with not going barefoot).

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