Diabetes - How Does It Affect Nervous System?

Alzheimer s is caused due to the damage to nerves in the outer layer of the cerebral cortex. Thus, this ends up damaging the brain cells and the neurotransmitter which then stops relaying important information to the brain. The neural damage in Alzheimer s is akin to the nerve damage all over the body from high levels of blood glucose. Also, it has been noticed that people with insulin resistance have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer s. Therefore, it is advisable that you make life style changes to keep insulin levels within the normal range over prolonged periods.

For a diabetic patient, it can be very dangerous for his/her nervous system as it can shut down brain functions and make the patient unconscious in the middle of whatever he/she is doing. Thus if you suffer or have suffered from bouts of low blood sugar, you should not perform out activities such as driving or riding or even operating heavy machinery without the proper precaution

Many people believe that urinary tract infections occur within the body due to excess levels of sugar. However, high levels of blood glucose damage the nerves that control the emptying of the bladder. This results in the retention of urine, that allows the festering of microbes, for longer within the bladder and urethra. Once the nerves get the control back and start emptying the bladder normally, the incidence of UTIs goes down drastically.

Diabetes, especially, hyperglycemia or high levels of blood glucose, can affect the nerves within your body and thus cause pain all over, especially the extremities such as arms or legs. Legs are especially vulnerable as temporary or even permanent paralysis could set in with prolonged exposure to diabetes. Hence, if you are diabetic and are suffering from chronic leg pain, go visit your doctor to ensure that both diabetes as well as your nerve damage, remain under control.