Signs and Symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy affects all peripheral nerves including pain fibers, motor neurons and the autonomic nervous system. It therefore can affect all organs and systems, as all are innervated. There are several distinct syndromes based upon the organ systems and members affected, but these are by no means exclusive. A patient can have sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy or any other combination. Symptoms vary depending on the nerve(s) affected and may include symptoms other than those listed. Symptoms usually develop gradually over years.
Symptoms may include:
- Numbness and tingling of extremities
- Dysesthesia (abnormal sensation to a body part)
- Diarrhea
- Erectile dysfunction
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- Facial, mouth and eyelid drooping
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Speech impairment
- Fasciculation (muscle contractions)
- Anorgasmia
- Burning or electric pain
Read more about this topic: Diabetic Neuropathy
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