Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes. It results in damage to the nerves in a person’s feet, legs, eyes, and those controlling bodily functions, such as digestion, blood pressure and heart rate. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious complications, including ulcers , infection, and loss of limb.
Researchers believe that diabetic neuropathy is likely caused by a combination of factors, including:
The following factors are thought to increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy:
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include:
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you are at increased risk for developing other types of neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome .
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
It is important to regularly monitor blood glucose levels. You can bring them within normal range with meal planning, exercise, and/or medications.
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you will need to take special care of your feet, since the nerves in the feet are the ones most often affected by neuropathy. This care will involve regular visits to a foot doctor and careful cleaning, inspection, moisturizing, and grooming of your feet. In addition, always wearing well-fitting shoes or slippers and thick, soft, seamless socks can help protect your feet from injuries.
Other treatments will depend on your symptoms. Medications can be used to relieve pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. Oftentimes, the medications used to treat these symptoms are the same types of medications used to treat seizures and depression .
Modifying your diet and/or taking erythromycin or another antibiotic can help with gastrointestinal problems. Taking care when sitting or standing, increasing salt intake, or taking medications can help manage dizziness and weakness. An antibiotic can be prescribed to treat a urinary tract infection . Medications can be used to treat erectile dysfunction, and vaginal lubricants are recommended to treat vaginal dryness.
If you are diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
American Academy of Neurology practice parameters for diagnostic testing for distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Neurology. December 3, 2008.
Diabetic neuropathies. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000693.htm .
Diabetic neuropathies: the nerve damage of diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/ . Accessed May 24, 2007.
Diabetic neuropathy. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed February 2, 2009.
Harati Y, Bosch EP. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Bradley WG, et al, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier; 2008.
Ogawa K, Sasaki H, Yamasaki H, et al. Peripheral nerve functions may deteriorate parallel to the progression of microangiopathy in diabetic patients. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2006;16:313-321.
Stewart JD. Diabetic neuropathies. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation. Medline website. Available at: http://www.medlink.com . Accessed August 10, 2007.
Vinik AI. Diabetic neuropathies. Med Clin North Am. 2004;88:947-999.
Last reviewed January 2009 by J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.