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Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include:

  • Numbness in the extremities
  • Tingling in the extremities
  • Pain in the extremities
  • Wasting of the muscles of the feet or hands
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Urination problems
  • Impotence or vaginal dryness
  • Weakness in arms and or legs
  • Foot drop
  • Weakness of facial muscles resulting in:
    • Drooping eyelid
    • Drooping mouth
    • Facial Droop
    • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Muscle cramps
  • A prolonged feeling of fullness after eating and/or abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Heat intolerance due to a decreased ability to sweat normally

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you are at increased risk for developing other types of neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome .

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:

  • Foot exam—to assess sensation in the foot
  • Nerve conduction studies —to test nerve activity
  • Electromyography —to determine how muscles respond to nerve signals
  • Quantitative sensory testing—the use of stimuli (eg, vibration) to check for neuropathy
  • Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART)—a test to evaluate the nerve supply of sweat glands
  • Heart rate tests—to determine how the heart responds to changes
  • Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to view internal organs
  • Biopsy —to remove a sample of nerve or skin tissue for examination

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Diabetic Neuropathy Guide

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