Email a Friend
Print ArticleDiabetes Health Center
Diabetic Neuropathy - Symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy-especially peripheral neuropathy-initially may not cause any noticeable symptoms. If you have diabetes, it is important to have regular medical checkups to check for signs of neuropathy and treat problems before they become serious.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may vary depending on the type of neuropathy you have.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy tends to develop slowly over months or years. Symptoms may get worse during pregnancy. In general, symptoms may include:
- Tingling, numbness, tightness, or burning,
shooting, or stabbing pain in the feet, hands, or other parts of the body. Bone
and joint deformities can develop, especially of the feet (such as
Charcot foot). See a picture of
Charcot foot
. - Reduced feeling or numbness, most often in the feet. Check your feet every day for skin problems (chapped, broken skin or excessive dryness) or minor injuries (blisters, calluses, or ingrown toenails). People who have had diabetes 10 or more years, who have poor blood sugar control, or who have blood vessel, kidney, or eye complications are at increased risk for foot and leg sores and possible amputation.
- Greatly reduced or greatly increased sensitivity to light touch or temperature.
- Weakness and loss of balance and coordination.
Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy may affect digestion, the body's ability to regulate temperature, urination, sexual function, and heart and blood vessel function, including blood pressure. Symptoms may get worse during pregnancy. In general, symptoms may include:
- Frequent bloating, belching, constipation, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may indicate gastroparesis, a condition that causes the stomach to empty much slower than normal.
- Profuse sweating of the torso, face, or neck at night or while eating certain foods, such as spicy foods and cheese. Alternatively, some people may have reduced sweating, especially in their feet and legs.
- Difficulty sensing when the bladder is full or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
- Sexual problems, such as erection problems in men and vaginal dryness in women.
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting when you stand or sit up from a reclining position (orthostatic hypotension).
- Difficulty knowing when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
Symptoms of focal neuropathy
Symptoms of focal neuropathy usually appear suddenly. They may include:
- Pain, weakness, and motor problems in a single area of the body, such as a wrist, thigh, or foot. In cases of a compressed or pinched nerve, soreness and pain may develop more gradually over several weeks or months.
- Pain in and around one of your eyes, difficulty moving the eyes, and double vision. Focal neuropathy may sometimes affect the nerves that control your eye muscles.
Symptoms of focal neuropathy usually get better over time. But focal neuropathy may be permanent.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Diabetic Neuropathy Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Vinegar is in everything from coleslaw to pickles. What if you could actually use it to help prevent disease?
