Peripheral neuropathy is associated with reduced life expectancy, but there are treatment options to help improve the length of life with neuropathy. If left untreated, severe peripheral neuropathy can directly reduce life expectancy. Nerve damage can worsen over time, leading to loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, and decreased mobility. This can profoundly affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks and live independently.
Proper medical treatment is key to controlling neuropathy and maintaining a normal life expectancy. The average 5-year survival rate was 81.05%, meaning that approximately 4 out of 5 study participants were alive within 5 years of being diagnosed with foot complications. Having a CVD or amputation reduced the chances of survival. Sometimes, neuropathy can improve over time if the cause is treated, but in some people the damage may be permanent or worsen over time.
Neuropathy is often treated for symptoms, not for the nerve damage itself. The good news for those with neuropathy is that it's sometimes reversible. The symptoms of neuropathy often resolve on their own simply by addressing contributing causes, such as underlying infections, exposure to toxins, or vitamin and hormonal deficiencies. The severity of peripheral neuropathy can also affect life expectancy. Patients with mild symptoms may have a normal life expectancy, while those with severe symptoms may have a shorter life expectancy.
Severe peripheral neuropathy can affect a person's ability to perform daily activities and increase the risk of falls and other accidents, which can affect overall health and longevity. It's important to note that the impact of peripheral neuropathy on life expectancy will vary depending on the person's age, their general health, and the severity of their condition. Living with neuropathy often requires making conscious lifestyle changes that can significantly improve daily life. and managing symptoms.
For example, patients with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy may have a shorter life expectancy due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. Research is also underway to determine if the use of electrical stimulation (TENS) can help in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The factors that influence life expectancy in people with peripheral neuropathy are multifactorial and may include the underlying cause of the condition, the severity of symptoms, age and general health, and the effectiveness of treatment and management strategies. Shockwave therapy uses sound energy waves to help improve blood flow and reduce pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.
If you have additional questions about diabetic neuropathy, contact the U.S. Amputation Prevention Centers. Patients with peripheral neuropathy should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses their individual needs and concerns, including lifestyle changes that can improve overall health and reduce the risk of complications. Your doctor or nurse who specializes in diabetes will evaluate you for signs of diabetic neuropathy during your annual exam.
While it is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of how long patients with peripheral neuropathy can expect to live, it is clear that effective treatment of the condition can improve quality of life and potentially affect life expectancy. If your symptoms prevent you from working, diabetic neuropathy may consider you disabled. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends glycated hemoglobin (A1C) of 7.0% or less for most people with diabetes. Falls, accidents and injuries are one of the most important factors that can alter how long you can live with neuropathy.
Type of neuropathy: Some forms, such as diabetic neuropathy, can be treated but are less likely to fully reverse. Mayo Clinic recommends slightly lowering blood sugar levels for most young people with diabetes, and slightly higher levels for older people with other medical conditions and who may be at greater risk of complications from low blood sugar levels.
