There are basically 4 types of diabetic neuropathy.
Each type affects a specific set of nerves which triggers symptoms in different areas of your body.
High levels of fats or sugar in the blood can damage the nerves in your body. Symptoms of nerve damage may manifest differently depending on where the damage is.
Peripheral Neuropathy- The most common nerve damage from diabetes.
When you suffer from peripheral neuropathy you will most likely experience symptoms in your hands, arms, legs or feet. That is where most of the nerve damage is.
The nerves going to your feet are the longest in your body. That is why these nerves are damaged more often than others. It’s just that there’s simply more of them in your body.
Foot deformities, infections, ulcers, and even amputations are complications associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Autonomic Neuropathy- The nerves that comprise the autonomic nervous system.
This system of nerves regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, urination and even sexual arousal.
When that set of nerves is damaged due to diabetes, then symptoms may range from digestive problems, heart rate issues, erectile dysfunction, excessive sweating and dizziness.
Focal Neuropathy- also called Mononeuropathy- affects individual nerves.
Unlike the previous types, focal neuropathy is associated with damage to one specific area or nerve such as carpal tunnel syndrome in your thumb or weakness of grip.
It usually appears suddenly and commonly affects the head, torso, or legs.
Pain, numbness, and weakness are confined to a single limb or area with this type of neuropathy.
Other examples of focal neuropathy include double vision, paralysis on just one side of your face, pain the thigh, shin or foot.
Proximal Neuropathy- affects muscle nerves.
This type of diabetic neuropathy mostly affects the muscles in the upper part of your leg, buttocks, and hips.
It is the second most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It may resolve partially within 6 to 12 months time and with proper treatment.
It is more common in people who have type 2 diabetes or older adults.
Common symptoms include difficulty rising or standing up from a sitting position, weak thigh muscles and severe pain in the buttock, hip or thigh.
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