Nerve Damage

1
Nerve Damage
2
You May be at Increased Risk of Nerve Damage if

• You Smoke
• Your Blood Sugar is out of control
• If you are over 40

3
Signs of Nerve Damage

• Pain
• Burning
• Tingling
• Loss of Feeling

4
Diabetes can damage your nervous system
Cranial Nerves Nerves go from the brain to the
eyes, mouth, ears, and other parts of the head.
Autonomic Nerves Nerves go from the spinal cord
to the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines,
bladder, and sex organs.
Peripheral Nerves Nerves go from the spinal cord,
to your arms, hands, legs, and feet.
5
As Nerve Damage Progresses Other Problems Develop

• Abnormal sweating
• Dizziness Orthostatic Hypotension
• Unable to feel low blood sugar

6
As Nerve Damage Progresses Other Problems Develop

• Bladder problems
• Bowel problems
• Stomach problems
• Sexual function problems

7
Gastroparesis
Liver
Stomach
Pancreas
Transverse colon
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
8
Sex Problems

• About half of all men with diabetes become
  impotent. This usually results from nerve and
  blood flow damage.
• About one-third of all women with diabetes report
  sex problems from diabetes nerve damage. Vaginal
  yeast infections are also more common when blood
  sugars are high.

9
Keeping Nerves Healthy and Preventing Problems
from Damaged Nerves.

• Control sugar
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Tell doctor about any symptoms you have.
• Medication can be given to help with pain from
  nerve damage.
• Avoid injury.