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Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diagnosis of neuropathy isn't easy. There are so many different causes, symptoms and types of neuropathy that doctors have to do many kinds of tests and examinations to determine whether or not a patient has neuropathy, what kind of neuropathy it is and what caused it before it can be treated correctly. Since a common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, a diagnosis of diabetes is necessary before doctors can diagnose diabetic neuropathy and determine how far it has progressed and how it should be treated.

  1. Patient History

    • Your doctor will ask you a series of questions that include your family history, work environment, exposure to chemicals and toxins, social habits such as smoking, drinking and drug use, and your risk of developing diseases. This will help rule out some possible causes of neuropathy and help the doctor determine if there could be more than one cause.

    Examinations

    • Your doctor will do a physical exam to check your blood pressure, heart rate and reflexes. You will also need a neurological exam to test your muscle strength and look for signs of cramps. Your reaction to touch, temperature, vibration, position and pain will be evaluated. If your doctor believes you have diabetic neuropathy, further tests will be ordered.

    Testing

    • Blood tests can show whether or not you have a disease that is likely to cause neuropathy, such as diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test, an oral glucose tolerance test and a glycated hemoglobin test can tell you if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it. A CT scan passes X-rays through your body and an MRI uses radio waves to look for irregularities or disorders.

    Specialized Testing

    • An ultrasound shows images of organs using sound waves. EMG tests can tell how muscles respond to electrical signals transmitted by nerves. Nerve conduction velocity tests measure damage in larger nerve fibers. Skin biopsies allow doctors to examine smaller nerve fiber endings in a thin sample of skin. These tests can help determine the amount of damage in the nerves.

    Treatment

    • Treating diabetic neuropathy includes treating many different systems in your body. You may need the help of different kinds of specialists, including a neurologist, podiatrist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, pain management specialist, a vocational counselor, or a social worker.

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