Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to utilize glucose and process fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. When this happens, blood sugar levels rise to dangerous levels and can cause damage to several different systems in the body, including the nerves. One of the most common complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy (also referred to as “diabetic neuropathy”). This refers to damage or malfunctioning nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The body tries to counter the effects of hypoglycemia by producing adrenaline, which produces symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and a fast heartbeat. These symptoms are called the fight or flight response and help us deal with emergencies where we must fight or run away from danger. While this response is helpful in certain situations, when it happens regularly because of too much insulin or insulin resistance, it can be a problem.
The adrenaline causes our blood vessels to constrict so that there’s less blood flow throughout the body; it also causes a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. This sudden lack of oxygen to the brain can cause dizziness.
If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms related to vertigo, your condition may have caused peripheral neuropathy (a form of nerve damage). The good news is that treatments for diabetic nerve damage (including vertigo) are available. Still, you should speak with your doctor right away if you suspect your symptoms are being caused by diabetic nerve damage.
