Understanding the Concept of Diabetic Neuropathy

Of course, no one wishes to be sick, but sickness can creep in when we least expect it. Unfortunately, the illness of diabetic neuropathy afflicts many people. Diabetic neuropathy refers to a type of nerve damage which occurs in people with diabetes. High levels of glucose, also known as blood sugar, can cause serious injury to nerves throughout your body. The damage presents itself mostly in your hands and legs.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary, depending on the affected nerves. Some people experience numbness and pain in their legs and feet. Others, have problems within their digestive systems, blood vessels, urinary tracts, and hearts. In some people, the symptoms seem mild. But for some others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite unsettling and painful.

Here at Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine, we know diabetic neuropathy is a serious and common complication associated with diabetes. But we can help you to prevent diabetic neuropathy. Also, we can slow down its progress with blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.

Some Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Did you know there are four primary types of diabetic neuropathy? People can have one or more types of diabetic neuropathy. Typically, the symptoms of the disease will depend largely on the type which affects you as well as the affected nerves. Generally, symptoms develop gradually. Unfortunately, you may never notice anything until the damage has enveloped the affected nerve.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Consider the four main types of diabetic neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy

The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. The legs and feet typically become the first areas affected. This will then migrate to the arms and hands. Symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy typically present the worst at night, and they may also include:

Burning or tingling sensation
Reduction in the ability to feel pain, numbness, or temperature changes
Cramps or sharp pains
Increasingly sensitive to touch—even a bedsheet’s weight can present a problem for some people
Weaknesses in muscles
Loss or limitation of reflexes, particularly in the ankle
Loss of coordination and balance
Serious and disturbing foot problems like infections, ulcers, joint, and bone pains.

Autonomic Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy affects the nerves in the autonomous nervous system. This nerve system controls the bladder, heart, intestines, bladder, eyes, and sex organs. When the nerves in any of these areas become affected, it may result in;

Uncontrolled diarrhea, constipation, or both
Bladder problems such as urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence or retention
Difficulty in swallowing foods
Decrease or increased sweating
Increased heart rate when resting, and more.

If you experience any of these symptoms, we at Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine can help you. Just call us at (972) 355-0083 and let us help you to recover yourself.

Radiculoplexus Neuropathy

This type of diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves located in the hips, thighs, legs or buttocks. Radiculoplexus neuropathy remains more prevalent among people suffering from type 2 diabetes and aged adults. This type of diabetic neuropathy can also be known as femoral neuropathy or proximal neuropathy.

Especially relevant, the symptoms of this disease usually occur on one side of the body. However, it may sometimes spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms may include:

Weight loss
Rising from a sitting position becomes difficult
Additionally abdominal swelling
Shrinking and weak thigh muscles and more.

Mononeuropathy

Also known as local neuropathy, this type damages some specific nerves in the torso, face, or leg. Most common in older adults, the disease usually strikes without warning and can result in severe pain. But the good thing is that it doesn’t cause any long-term problems.

Within a few weeks or months, symptoms usually go away. Whatever symptom a victim feels will largely depend on which of the nerves have become affected.

When affected by mononeuropathy, you may have pain in the:

Foot or shin
Pelvis or lower back
Thigh or front
Abdomen or chest

Mononeuropathy can also affect the face and eyes, leading to;

Double vision
Inability to focus
Aching behind one eye
Bell’s palsy or paralysis on one side of the face

Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

At Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine (972) 355-0083, we can help in diagnosing diabetic neuropathy in several different ways. First of all, we do this by performing a physical examination, including a careful review of your medical history and symptoms.

We may decide to check your;

Tendon reflexes
Overall strength and tone of your muscles
Sensitivity to vibration and touch

When you come to Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine, your Medicare and alternative solution experts will give you an exam. Consequently, this includes checking your feet for sores, blisters, cracked skin, joint, and bone problems. A medical recommendation from the American Diabetes Association urges everyone to undergo a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year.

Additionally, apart from the physical exam, your doctor might carry out some specific tests to diagnose your diabetic neuropathy. Such test may include;

Nerve conduction studies
Filament testing
Autonomous testing
Electromyography—EMG, and finally,
Quantitative sensory testing

Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy

Unfortunately, diabetic neuropathy does not have a definite cure. However, the various goals of the treatment carried out by specialist aim toward:

Slowing the progress of the disease
Relieving and minimizing pain
Restoring functions and managing complications

At Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine, we have the best equipment. Also, we have dedicated specialists who help to manage your condition.

We are highly experienced and known as the best in the area of endocrinology. Additionally, we treat all forms of metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Our neurologists, aided with state-of-the-art technology, specialize in treating every form of nervous system problem.