What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of the condition, and it typically causes symptoms including:
- Numbness and reduced sensation in your feet, hands, legs, and arms
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Cramps and sharp pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of reflexes and fine motor coordination
- Foot problems including ulcers, infection, and pain
Autonomic neuropathy causes symptoms including:
- Increased urinary tract infections
- Incontinence
- Slow digestion leading to nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Problems regulating body temperature
- Erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness
- Eye problems including trouble adjusting from light to dark
If you have diabetes and notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment for assessment immediately. The foot ulcers and infections caused by diabetic neuropathy are a leading cause of amputation.
How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed?
Pacific Pain Physicians diagnose diabetic neuropathy with a detailed physical exam. Your doctor asks about your medical history and your symptoms. The physical exam includes tests of your sensitivity to touch and temperature, as well as your heart rate, blood pressure, reflexes, and muscle tone.
How is diabetic neuropathy treated?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure of diabetic neuropathy, although with attentive medical care you can reduce your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One of the best things you can do to control diabetic neuropathy is to manage your diabetes and keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Pacific Pain Physicians offer treatments including medication and physical therapy to reduce your discomfort and improve your balance and reflexes. Staying physically active provides double benefits of helping your body use blood sugar efficiently and keeping your muscles healthy and flexible.
If you’re concerned about diabetic neuropathy, call Pacific Pain Physicians or make an appointment online today.
