What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?
Posted on Apr 24, 2021

For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you will know that diabetic neuropathy is a common and dreaded complication of your condition.

Those that have diabetic neuropathy in any of its four forms will be well-acquainted with the pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that can accompany it.

And, sadly, it doesn’t stop there.

You may also experience symptoms including:

  • Stomach issues, like diarrhea or nausea
  • Changes in the amount of sweat you produce
  • Negative vision changes
  • Increased heart rate
  • And more.

If you are not well-versed in the causes and effects of diabetic neuropathy, we’re sharing what you need to know and how to naturally manage your symptoms.


WHAT IS DIABETIC NEUROPATHY, & HOW DOES IT DEVELOP?


Diabetic neuropathy is thought to be a side effect or result of long-term high blood sugar levels from diabetes.

When these levels are left unbalanced for extended periods, this can lead to nerve damage and faulty nerve signaling.

While this is the scientific explanation for the cause of diabetic neuropathy, researchers are still investigating the exact relation between diabetes and damaged nerve cells.

Without a doubt, these conditions are noted for contributing to worsened symptoms of neuropathy:

  • high levels of blood sugar
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • and triglycerides along with peripheral vascular disease

To manage your symptoms of diabetes and prevent diabetic neuropathy, you must do what is possible to keep these blood glucose levels well-managed.

The most obvious and effective ways to self-treat this condition is to abstain from cigarettes and alcohol, eat balanced meals with nutritious content rather than fatty, processed foods, and lead an active lifestyle.


WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY?


The discussion of diabetic foot ailments is a common one, but diabetic neuropathy can manifest in several different ways.

The forms of this condition can affect many areas of the body besides the feet, including your internal organs, eyes, facial muscles, and more.

Here are the four types of diabetic neuropathy:

  • Autonomic Neuropathy affects your internal organs.

This creates a host of issues for your cardiovascular system, sex organs, and digestive system.

You may experience excessive or decreased sweating, trouble swallowing, constipation, erectile dysfunction, and more.

The autonomic system is in charge of homeostasis. This is the background balance of all of your cellular functions.


  • Peripheral Neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathies.

It is marked by pain, numbness, tingling, and sensitivities to hot and cold temperatures in the feet, legs, or hands.

If you experience symptoms of numbness, it is especially important to check your feet regularly to prevent the development of diabetic wounds.

This neuropathy affects the sensory and motor, or somatic, nervous system.


  • Focal Neuropathy typically affects single nerves in your head, legs, torso, or hands.

    Carpal tunnel is a common entrapment syndrome that can occur from this nerve damage.

This neuropathy is noted for numbness in the hands, isolated areas of pain, and even issues with your vision.

Because most diabetics also have abnormal connective tissues, they are also prone to entrapment neuropathies.


  • Proximal Neuropathy is very rare but can be especially debilitating.

    This is most common in middle-aged individuals and older, with intense pain in the hips, thighs, and buttocks being the most commonly noted side effects.

    This can lead to mobility issues.

Do your best to keep your diabetic symptoms under control, consult often with your personal physician or endocrinologist, and supplement with natural products like our Alpha-Lipoic Acid to keep your pain managed!


FIND RELIEF WITH OUR ALA SUPPLEMENT FROM WELL THEORY!


Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural solution for keeping your diabetic symptoms under control.

Our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements are formulated to help you manage your diabetic symptoms, detox your body from heavy metals, and enhance your vitality through better conversion of sugars to energy at a cellular level.

Dr. Meredith Warner, the orthopedic surgeon and wellness expert behind The Healing Sole and Well Theory, regularly recommends ALA for her patients with Peripheral Neuropathy for

  • pain management
  • inflammation relief
  • and antioxidant support against oxidative stress.

If you are interested in finding pain relief without the need for chemical medication or simply want a natural addition to your current treatment regimen, reach for our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements from Well Theory today!