+91 98489 15905
5.0/5.0
5.0/5.0
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a serious and common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s a type of nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. The condition usually develops slowly, sometimes over the course of several decades.
If you have diabetes and notice numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet, you should see your doctor. These are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The danger is usually when you can’t feel pain and an ulcer develops on your foot.
In cases of severe or prolonged peripheral neuropathy, you may be vulnerable to injuries or infections. In serious cases, poor wound healing or infection can lead to amputation.
There are different types of diabetic neuropathy that affect different areas of your body, causing a variety of symptoms. If you have diabetes, it’s important to regularly check your blood glucose levels and contact your doctor if have any symptoms of neuropathy.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy?
It’s common for symptoms of neuropathy to appear gradually. In many cases, the first type of nerve damage to occur involves the nerves of the feet. This can lead to the symptom of sometimes painful “pins and needles” in your feet.
Symptoms vary depending on the areas affected. Common signs and symptoms of the different types of diabetic neuropathy include:
- sensitivity to touch
- loss of sense of touch
- difficulty with coordination when walking
- numbness or pain in your hands or feet
- burning sensation in feet, especially at night
- muscle weakness or wasting
- bloating or fullness
- nausea, indigestion, or vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- dizziness when you stand up
- excessive or decreased sweating
- bladder problems, such as incomplete bladder emptying
- vaginal dryness
- erectile dysfunction
- inability to sense low blood glucose
- vision trouble, such as double vision
- increased heart rate
What are the Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy?
The term neuropathy is used to describe several types of nerve damage. In people with diabetes, there are four main types of neuropathy.
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
- Focal neuropathy
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by high blood sugar levels sustained over a long period of time. Other factors can lead to nerve damage, such as:
- damage to the blood vessels caused by high cholesterol levels
- mechanical injury, such as injuries caused by carpal tunnel syndrome
- lifestyle factors, such as smoking or alcohol use
Low levels of vitamin B-12 can also lead to neuropathy. Metformin, a common medication used to manage diabetes, can decrease levels of vitamin B-12. You can ask your doctor for a simple blood test to identify any vitamin deficiencies.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed?
A doctor will determine whether or not you have neuropathy, starting by asking about your symptoms and medical history. You’ll also have a physical examination. They’ll check your level of sensitivity to temperature and touch, your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tone.
Your doctor may do a filament test to test the sensitivity in your feet. For this, they’ll use a nylon fiber to check your limbs for any loss of sensation. A tuning fork may be used to test your vibration threshold. Your doctor may also test your ankle reflexes.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy Treated?
There’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but you can slow its progression. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is the best way to decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy or slow its progression. It can also relieve some symptoms.
Quitting smoking and exercising regularly are also parts of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare team before beginning a new fitness routine. You may also ask your doctor about complementary treatments or supplements for neuropathy.
Pain management
Medications may be used to treat pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. Talk to your doctor about the available medications and their potential side effects. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms.
You may also want to consider alternative therapies, such as acupuncture. Some researchTrusted Source has found capsaicin to be helpful. Alternative therapies may provide additional relief when used in conjunction with medication.
Our Happy Patients
-
Dr Sree Lakshmi cured my Type 2 diabetes
Mr. Venkatrao
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
-
My blood sugar is now in control. Thanks to Dr Sree Lakshmi
Mr. Mallesh Yadev
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
-
Dr Sreelakshmi helped me beat diabetes with right diet and medications
Mr. Prasad
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
-
I was able to control my diabetes thanks to Dr Sree Lakshmi
Mr. Vinod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
-
Have been consulting Dr Sree Lakshmi for my type 1 diabetes since the last few months. Got some great results with her treatment. My blood sugar is much better controlled now. Even insulin doses reduced with no blood glucose fluctuations...
5.0 / 5.0
Mr. Vijay Y
IT employee
-
Visited Dr Sree lakshmi for my diabetes during pregnancy. She was very polite and gentle in explaining me all about my problem and its management. Her treatment is very advance and gives real time results. I was always afraid of...
5.0 / 5.0
Mrs. Keerthi Reddy
IT employee
-
In one word I want to say that Dr. Sree lakshmi is a very genuine doctor. She has helped patients with type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes and made it possible for them to control their diabetic condition with utmost...
5.0 / 5.0
Mr. Nagaraju
Civil Engineer
-
My mother whose sugar was uncontrolled before. But when we went to Dr Sree lakshmi. She prescribed us very good treatment. My mother's sugar came in control within two days. Hats off to you mam. I will always be obliged...
5.0 / 5.0
Mr. Rajesh K
IT professional
-
I showed my mother to many doctors in Hyderabad but her diabetes did not improve. Finally found competent and knowledgable doctor here in Kadapa Dr Sree Lakshmi. Her treatment improved my moms diabetes.
5.0 / 5.0
Mrs. Ramya
IT Employee