Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves in the body that occurs due to diabetes. This condition develops when blood sugar levels dramatically increase and is a common complication among people with diabetes [1]. Approximately 30% of individuals who are hospitalized are diabetes patients suffering from neuropathy [2]. Nerves that may be affected due to diabetic neuropathy include: nerves in the spinal cord, skull, heart, intestines, stomach, and bladder [2]. When nerves in these parts of the body are injured an individual may experience digestive problems such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, dizziness upon standing, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation and tingling or burning sensations in the arms and legs.
The first signs of nerve damage may be serious pain in the legs, feet, and toes [3]. However, some people who have this condition do not experience physical symptoms and may suffer from unexpected injuries in the feet due to a loss of feeling. Once nerve damage has occurred, individuals may begin to have troubling feeling and manipulating objects. They may also start to lose the ability to properly judge temperature. For this reason, people with diabetes should be screened annually for neuropathy as foot ulcers and amputations are common causes of disability and even death in people who develop this condition [3, 4].
Treatment of diabetic neuropathy involves properly managing one’s diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Returning high blood sugar levels to normal slows the progression of nerve injuries, but does not reverse the damage [5]. Antidepressants such as despramine, tramadol, gabapentin, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, capsaicin, and bupropion or anticonvulsants may also be prescribed to treat the pain and discomfort caused by this condition [1, 2]. Early diagnosis and treatment of symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy is one of the best ways to prevent and delay the onset of this condition.
*These are not medical diagnosis or suggestions for any specific individuals. They are an overview of various conditions, treatments and topics discussed by New York Pain Management Group. If you would like to discuss your symptoms in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact the New York Pain Management Group. We will be happy to assist you.
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