Neuropathy is known to cause a number of other medical conditions, namely foot ulcers, blood circulation problems, and changes in heart rhythm. A foot ulcer is a deep sore or open wound on the skin that heals slowly and is, therefore, more likely to become infected. Diabetic foot ulcers are common in sufferers of diabetic polyneuropathy, along with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. CAN is a heart and blood circulation problem that occurs when there is so much damage to the peripheral nerves that automatic functions controlling heartbeat and blood circulation are disrupted. The most common symptoms of CAN are the inability to exercise for a normal amount of time, and low blood pressure that sometimes leads to dizziness and fainting.
For diabetic neuropathy specifically, complications include hypoglycemia unawareness, sharp drops in blood pressure, loss of a toe or foot, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, increased or decreased sweating, and urinary incontinence. Hypoglycemia unawareness is when the sufferer does not notice the warning signs associated with a drop in blood sugar. In other words, when blood sugar levels dip below 70 milligrams per deciliter, the individual is unaware of their sweating, shakiness, and racing heartbeat. Orthostatic hypotension refers to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting and dizziness when moving from sitting to standing. This is because neuropathy can damage the nerves responsible for blood flow, which affects the body’s ability to modify blood pressure.
Loss of a toe or foot by amputation is another complication of neuropathy since nerve damage can lead to tissue death. It is not uncommon for sufferers of neuropathy to experience numbness in their feet, which leaves them unable to feel sores and ulcers. As a result, infections can easily spread to the bone and amputation may be necessary. Digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea are complications of neuropathy as well, especially if the nerve damage is related to the digestive tract. In some instances, the nerve damage can cause gastroparesis, a disease characterized by the stomach’s inability to properly empty itself of food, leading to bloating and indigestion.
Urinary tract infections may occur if the nerve damage is related to the bladder, leaving the sufferer unable to empty his or her bladder fully. As a result, bacteria may build up in the kidneys and bladder, leading to urinary tract infections. Sexual dysfunction is another complication of neuropathy since nerve damage can affect the sex organs in both males and females. Men may experience erectile dysfunction, which refers to the inability to get or keep an erection. Women, on the other hand, may experience difficulty with arousal and lubrication.
Increased or decreased sweating can result from nerve damage as well since sweat glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. The primary function of sweat glands is to regulate the body’s temperature, so when nerve damage disrupts this function, the body is unable to properly regulate its core temperature. Lastly, urinary incontinence refers to involuntary leakage of urine from the body. This may occur as a complication of neuropathy due to nerve damage affecting one’s ability to control the muscles responsible for releasing urine.