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Approximately 50% of people with diabetes for
a period of more than ten years will develop Neuropathy - a very
serious diabetic complication. This malady develops very slowly in
the body with few if any recognizable symptoms in early stages. Diabetic
Neuropathy leads to severe nerve tissue deterioration and is defined as:
1.
Peripheral
Neuropathy (most common) damages blood vessels and nerves in the limbs,
especially the lower legs and feet.
2. Autonomic Neuropathy affects nerves that serve
the heart and internal organs that can cause heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, etc.
3. Focal Neuropathy affects nerves in the torso or
head causing hearing and vision loss.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
High levels of blood glucose are recognized as
the major cause of
Neuropathy. While the precise mechanism for nerve and vein damage is
not known, it is generally believed that poor glucose metabolism, by
producing insufficient nitric oxide, is the cause.
· Low nitric oxide levels lead to constriction of blood vessels...
· Constricted blood vessels diminish nutrients
to the nerve tissues...
· Damaged nerve tissue results in loss of
sensations and..
· Veins become more constricted, vein
walls harden and lose flexibility further reducing nutrient flow to the nerves, and
the cycle of damage to first the veins and then the nerves
continues.
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