Health A-Z

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It's caused by prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels, which can injure the nerves throughout the body. Here's a breakdown of symptoms, treatment options, and diagnosis/testing methods:

1. Numbness or tingling: Often starting in the feet or hands, this sensation can spread upward over time.
2. Loss of sensation: You might experience difficulty feeling pain, heat, or cold, which can lead to injuries going unnoticed.
3. Burning or sharp pain: Some individuals experience intense pain, especially at night.
4. Muscle weakness: Weakness can occur, particularly in the legs.
5. Digestive issues: Problems with digestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can occur.
6. Urinary problems: Difficulty emptying the bladder completely or urinary incontinence.

1. Blood sugar control: Tight control of blood sugar levels is crucial in managing and preventing further damage.
2. Medications: Pain medications such as duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin may help manage symptoms.
3. Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants like amitriptyline may help alleviate nerve pain.
4. Physical therapy: Exercises can help improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
5. Foot care: Proper foot care is essential to prevent injuries and infections.
6. Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may offer relief for some individuals.

1. Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a thorough examination to check for signs of neuropathy, such as loss of sensation or reflexes.
2. Nerve conduction studies: These tests measure how quickly electrical signals move through your nerves and can help diagnose neuropathy.
3. Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help determine if muscle weakness is caused by nerve damage.
4. Blood tests: Blood tests can check for factors such as blood sugar levels, kidney function, and vitamin deficiencies that may contribute to neuropathy.
5. Nerve biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of nerve tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagn