Diabetic Neuropathy

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that results from long-term high blood sugar levels. There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, but peripheral neuropathy is the most common. 

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy begins in your feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, and a reduced ability to detect sensations that let your brain know something is wrong. People with diabetic neuropathy may not be able to tell the difference between sharp and dull or hot and cold. 

What causes diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your ability to metabolize sugar. This causes sugar to build up in your blood, damaging blood vessels and nerves. An injured nerve can’t send signals properly. Additionally, the nerve doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to blood vessel damage. 

Certain factors may increase your risk of diabetic neuropathy, such as:

• Cigarette smoking
• Being overweight
• Prolonged alcohol use
• Poor blood sugar control
• Low levels of vitamin B12

The longer you have had diabetes, the higher the risk of developing neuropathy, especially if your blood sugar isn’t well-controlled.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy usually develop gradually. At first, you may notice a painful tingling or burning sensation that begins in your toes and slowly progresses up your foot. Over time, you may lose sensation in your feet.

Some people describe diabetic neuropathy as feeling like they’re wearing a pair of socks even though they’re not. Others say they feel like they’re walking on cotton or a water-filled cushion. A painful burning sensation in your feet may keep you up at night, even if your feet feel cold to the touch.  

How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

Nerve damage from diabetic neuropathy is permanent, but timely treatment can slow or halt the condition’s progression. 

Your Precision Podiatry provider carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to evaluate your condition. Then, they create an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• Treating a vitamin B deficiency with injections
• Keeping your blood sugar under control with proper nutrition 
• Exercising every day to improve blood flow and control blood sugar

If you have diabetic neuropathy, it’s important to see your provider for routine diabetic foot care. You should also check your feet every day and call them if you notice any changes, including wounds and discoloration. 

To learn more about managing diabetic neuropathy, call Precision Podiatry to book an appointment today.