What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when diabetes causes nerve damage. It’s common, and about half of all people with diabetes have some type of nerve damage.
Diabetes causes an unhealthy level of sugar, or glucose, to build up in your blood. In time, this can wear away the covering on your nerves or damage blood vessels that bring oxygen to your nerves. When this happens, your damaged nerves stop sending messages, send messages at the wrong times, or send them more slowly.
What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
The longer you’ve had diabetes, the more likely you are to have diabetic neuropathy. Here are common symptoms to look for:
- Numbness in your hands, legs, or feet
- Burning, tingling, or shooting pains
- Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
- Problems with sexual function
- Urinary problems
Another sign to look for is a feeling of dizziness when you move quickly.
How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed?
The good news is diabetic neuropathy is easily diagnosed. Your Pain Medicine Consultants provider reviews your medical history and symptoms and performs a physical exam. They check your:
- Reflexes, muscle strength, and tone
- Sensitivity to touch and vibration
- Feet for sores, blisters, cracked skin, and joint and bone problems
Depending on your condition, you might need one or more of the following tests:
- Filament test — Measures your sensitivity to touch
- Quantitative sensory testing — Tests how your nerves respond to temperature changes and vibration
- Nerve conduction studies — Evaluates whether the nerves in your arms and legs send electrical signals quickly or slowly
Your Pain Medicine Consultants provider may also order an electromyography (EMG), which tests the electrical signals your muscles produce.
How is diabetic neuropathy treated?
The right treatment helps to control your blood sugar, relieve pain, and reduce possible complications. The goal is to help you enjoy a full life.
Your doctor discusses with you the best way to control your blood sugar. This not only keeps nerve problems at bay, but it also prevents nerve damage from getting worse.
Depending on your overall health, treatment may include pain relievers and other medications. You might be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is a pain relief treatment where stimulating electrodes are placed by your spinal cord.
If you’re ready to take steps to enhance your well-being with best-in-class treatment, call today or book online to schedule an appointment with the pain management experts at Pain Medicine Consultants.
