Nerve damage due to high levels of blood sugar is a debilitating complication of diabetes. It is estimated that nearly 70 percent of those with diabetes are affected by nervous system issues due to excessive sugar levels in the blood. This usually occurs among those who find it difficult to monitor and control their sugar levels. Over time, this affects the blood vessels that sustain the nervous system. Hence, the following problems can occur.

Decline in cognitive function
Cognitive abilities are basic brain-related skills a person develops over their lifetime. These functions and abilities are required to carry out essential everyday tasks such as reading, remembering, learning, thinking, and so on. Cognitive decline occurs when the brain is affected due to damage to the central nervous system. This may happen when a person has high blood sugar for over several decades or years.

Problems with vision
The damage to the central nervous system due to excessive sugar can lead to focal nerve damage. This affects single nerves in the body. As a result, there can be problems with a person’s vision. They may experience double vision or have trouble focusing to be able to see clearly. Additionally, their vision may become distorted and blurry. They may also experience pain behind their eyes.

Numbness and tingling
Another common nervous system issue due to high sugar levels in the blood is experiencing tingling and numbness frequently. This is usually experienced in the extremities of the body, that is the arms and legs. This can also lead to cramping and cause a person to unintentionally drop things they are holding in their hands. In some cases, a person may not feel their feet while walking.

Impaired coordination
Damage to the central nervous system due to excessive glucose levels can cause problems with coordination and balance. This happens because of poor muscle control that occurs due to the nerve damage. This makes it difficult to carry out routine activities. A person may experience problems with maintaining balance, walking, hand coordination, and even eye movements. They may face a high risk of falling, tripping over things, or dropping objects.

Slower reflexes
With elevated blood sugar levels affecting the nervous system, a person’s reflexes become slower. Reflexes or motor skills are linked to specific cells in the brain. Since the brain is connected to the nervous system, any activity that affects its functioning will also affect the brain. The cells that are involved in motor control become damaged leading to slower reflexes.

Disrupted sleep cycle
One of the major effects of damage to the nervous system due to high blood sugar is disruption in a normal sleep cycle. Since the nervous system is not functioning optimally, a person may find it hard to sleep properly. They may experience restless, incomplete sleep, or have difficulties falling or staying asleep. If left untreated, over a certain time period, this may lead to serious sleep disorders such as insomnia. One should always make sure to speak with a physician if they have high blood sugar levels and are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above. Such complications related to diabetes can be prevented or their occurrences can be lowered, so that one can enjoy optimal health.