Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes, affecting the nerve. It can be happen to any nerve in the body. Symptoms are numbness, pain, burning sensation, weakness of arms, legs, feet, and sense organs. People with diabetes can develop diabetes neuropathy at any time, but longer the person has diabetes (more than 25 years) greater the risk. It is also seen with people who cannot control the blood sugar level, blood pressure and in people who are over weight. The most common type of diabetes neuropathy is the peripheral neuropathy, affecting the arms and legs.
Causes
It is found that prolonged exposure to high glucose levels disrupts the structure and function of nerve causing neuropathy. Neuro vascular factors leading to damage of blood vessels that carry oxygen, nutrients to the nerves.
Symptoms
Symptoms depends on the nerve that is affected commonly seen symptoms are that of peripheral neuropathy like numbness tingling or pain of toes, feet, legs, hand, arms, fingers etc.. In chronic conditions, wasting of muscles is also seen. In the case of autonomic neuropathy- diarrhea or constipation problems with urination, erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness weakness problems related to eyes.
Diagnosis
It is diagnosed on symptoms and physical examination by nerve conduction studies, electro myography (EMG).
Treatment
It is always seen that it is better to prevent diabetic neuropathy by treatments aimed at keeping blood sugar level close to normal range following a strict diabetic diet plan and exercise. It is seen that symptoms increase when glucose level is brought to control, but over a period of time it helps lesser the symptoms.
Foot care
Special emphasis should be given to foot care by diabetes to prevent diabetic foot by cleaning it every day with water, avoiding walking bare foot, wearing tight or closed foot wear.
Ayurvedic management of diabetic neuropathy
It is always seen that management of diabetic neuropathy can be achieved by controlling the blood sugar level close to normal range, prevents and also helps in reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy medicines aimed to maintaining blood sugar level to be given internally.
Externally
Abhyangam (massaging the entire body with medicated oil) has deeper and more relaxing effect than ordinary massage with lotions and creams. Emphasis is given to Padabhyanga (massaging the foot)
Sirodhara
This creates profound relaxation of body and mind, deeply relaxing and revitalizing the central nervous system.
Ksheeradhoomam
Special type of steaming applied on face mainly for neurological disorder and problems above neck.
Pizhichil
Luke worm medicated oil poured all over the body in a special rhythmic way continuously for a prescribed period. This treatment is very useful in paralysis, nervous weakness and sexual weakness.
Njavarakizhi
In this process the whole body or specific part is made to perspire by application of certain puddings externally in the form of voles dipped in milk and herbal decoction proved to be beneficial in case of muscle wasting, pain numbness, paralysis etc....
