Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

About the disease

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that develops when diabetes damages the nerves. This happens if blood sugar levels remain high for a long period of time. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy, according to the nerves that are damaged. Mostly, the extremities such as the feet and legs up to the buttocks are affected; sometimes the condition reaches the arms and abdomen, too. The onset of diabetic neuropathy is usually accompanied by pain and muscle weakness in the affected area.

In most cases, diabetic neuropathy can be controlled by keeping the blood sugar at normal levels. Stabilizing the blood sugar in the early stages of diabetic neuropathy is usually sufficient to resolve or slow down the condition. According to Mayo Clinic, it is the most common serious complication of diabetes.            

The most common manifestation of diabetic neuropathy is pain in the affected part, most commonly legs. Muscles of the affected part can be weak as well. A person may feel pain in the thighs as well. Buttocks can be affected in some cases as well.

Symptoms

• Pain and possibly weakness in the affected area
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Burning sensation, which may appear in the evening
• Dry skin
• Brittle toenails
• Indigestion, if the digestive system has also been affected

Diagnosis

• During a general examination, the doctor will examine the patient’s limbs to find out if the muscles are painful or sensitive to touch.
• The doctor will also check for signs of sores and ulceration, which can be dangerous in people with diabetic neuropathy. Muscle reflexes will also be checked.
• A blood test will be taken to check the sugar levels.
• A nerve conduction test is performed to check that the nerves are conducting electrical signals in the normal way.
• An electrical myography is another test that measures the electrical activity of the nerves and their electrical discharge into the muscles.

Treatment

• Conservative treatment mostly aims to slow down the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
• Keeping blood sugar at normal levels is the best way to prevent its progression.
• Blood pressure needs to be kept within the normal range as well.
• People with diabetes need to pay particular attention to their diet and have their feet checked regularly for the presence of sores.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed