 Diabetic
Neuropathy
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Patients with diabetes often develop abnormalities of the peripheral nerves
in the extremities after a period of many years. Symptoms usually develop
10-20 years after the initial diabetes diagnosis. Patients can experience
numbness or abnormal tingling sensations and pain in the hands and especially
in the feet. Other symptoms are lightheadedness, diarrhea or constriction,
and failure to achieve sexual arousal. The digestive tract, heart, and
sexual organs may also eventually be affected with diabetic neuropathy.
This type of neuropathy (nerve injury) usually develops in stages. First
one may experience intermittent pain and tingling in extremities, particularly
in the feet. In later stages, the pain is more intense and constant. In
the last stage, all pain sensation is lost to an area. This greatly increases
the risk of severe tissue injury because the patient can no longer detect
pain to let them know they are injured.
Who Gets Diabetic Neuropathy?
Decreased blood flow and increased blood sugar level are the causes
of diabetic neuropathy. When the blood sugar level is higher than normal
for an extended period of time, the blood vessels and nerves start to
degenerate. This degeneration is what causes the nerves to be less effective.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy
Diagnosed?
Electrodiagnostic testing in the form of nerve conduction studies
(NCS) are a sensitive way of detecting the development of diabetic neuropathy.
Electrodiagnostic testing can also exclude other abnormalities that can
be confused with diabetic neuropathy.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy
Treated?
Treatment is aimed at slowing
down or stopping the blood vessels and nerves from degenerating. Treatment
is also aimed at eliminating the resulting pain the disorder causes. The
most important thing that must happen is the blood sugar level needs to
be brought back to normal levels. This can be done through diet, exercise,
and medication. Also, the feet need to be watched carefully. Foot injuries
are more likely to occur and due to the loss of sensation they go unnoticed.
If the foot injury is not treated, amputation may be required. To relieve
pain, baths may be helpful, along with analgesics, antidepressants, and
anticonvulsants. These treatments may or may not help, it is dependent
on how well the diabetes is maintained.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy
Prevented?
Strict control of blood sugar levels prevents the development of neuropathy
in 60% of type-1 diabetics and also can decrease the severity of the symptoms
associated with the disease. It is very important to keep your blood glucose
levels as close to the normal range as possible. This will protect the
nerves throughout your body.
To Find a Specialist
To find a physician board-certified to conduct needle EMGs and nerve conduction
studies click here: www.abemexam.org
For More Information
The Neuropathy Association: www.neuropathy.org
American Chronic Pain Association: www.theacpa.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: www.ninds.nih.gov
American Academy of Family Physicians: www.aafp.org
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