People with
diabetes may, over time,
develop nerve damage throughout the body called diabetic neuropathies,
a set of nerve disorders caused by diabetes.
Neuropathy
60
- 70 % of people with diabetes have some forms of neuropathy. Highest
rates of neuropathy are among peoples who have had diabetes for at
least 25 years.
Diabetic neuropathies are more common in
people, who has problems controlling their blood glucose, as well as
for those who have high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Causes of
Neuropathy
The
causes are probably different for different types of diabetic
neuropathy. Nerve damage is likely due to a combination of factors:
- metabolic factors such as high blood glucose,
abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
- neurovascular factors - leading to damage to
the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to nerves
- autoimmune factors due to prolong diabetes that
cause inflammation in nerves
- mechanical injury to nerves, such as carpal
tunnel syndrome
- inherited traits that increase susceptibility
to nerve disease
- lifestyle factors, such as smoking or alcohol
use
