Neuropathy Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a group of diseases affecting the body's production and proper use of insulin. It is characterized by excessive levels of glucose, or blood sugar. Effects of the disease include kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, eye damage, and bone and joint problems. Some of the more serious consequences of diabetes result from neuropathy, or nerve damage. Active treatment of diabetic neuropathy is essential to avoid impaired function of many vital organs.

Testing for Neuropathy

• Roughly 60 to 70 percent of diabetics have some degree of neuropathy, and the likelihood of damage increases with age and time. Damage can affect nerves in any part of the body, including all major organ systems. The most obvious symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are tingling, numbness or pain in the feet, legs, hands and arms. Other symptoms may include dizziness, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, urinary problems or constipation. However, many sufferers of neuropathy initially experience no obvious symptoms at all, and damage can accumulate without a diabetic's knowledge. If you have diabetes, it is extremely important that your doctor test you for potential nerve problems.

Treatment Basics

• Treatment for diabetic neuropathy varies according to your symptoms and the particular organs damaged. One common feature of all treatments is the need to stabilize blood sugar levels. While insulin and other medications play an important role, controlling blood sugar also involves behavior modification. Among other things, your doctor may ask that you control your intake of certain foods, engage in regular exercise, and actively plan your meals and eating schedule. He will also ask you to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. Getting your blood sugar in balance may initially make you feel worse. Report any increase in symptoms to your doctor, but be aware that these sorts of increases are almost always temporary.

Treating Pain

• Managing pain is important to treating neuropathy. Doctors typically prescribe a range of oral medications, including antidepressants, such as duloxetine, anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, and opioids like oxycodone. Over-the-counter painkillers are not generally as effective for nerve pain, and their side effects can outweigh any benefits. It is important to note that antidepressants are not prescribed in these cases for mood control, but for their pain-relieving effects.

Intestinal Problems

• Gastrointestinal problems from diabetic neuropathy are generally controllable through good dietary planning. To help diminish problems, eat small and frequent meals. Also avoid eating a lot of fiber or fats. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe digestive medications, such as metoclopramide or erythromycin.

Dizziness

• Problems with dizziness are very individual, and your doctor may need to experiment to find a proper treatment. While some patients improve with increased salt intake, others require high blood pressure medications. Still others may need nothing more than elastic socks to promote improved circulation.

The Importance of Foot Care

• Neuropathy patients must give special attention to good foot care, especially since the disease can lead to loss of sensation. Proper steps include daily inspection for any signs of damage, daily foot cleansing, and the habitual use of shoes and slippers even while in the home. Consult your doctor or podiatrist for a full foot care program.