Diabetes is a condition that affects your neighbors, friends and family members. There are many ways to manage the condition and its symptoms. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage that affects people with diabetes, is one of the symptoms. Dr. Issam Mansour and his team at Ankle & Foot Care Specialists have experience with helping patients treat and manage the pain that can come along with this diagnosis.
One quick tip for preventing diabetic neuropathy is to maintain healthy glucose levels. In this post, we’ll give you some details on prevention and detection.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects people who have diabetes. More than half of the people diagnosed with diabetes will develop a form of neuropathy. The three types of neuropathy are peripheral, autonomic, and focal; peripheral neuropathy is the most common and is the leading type that occurs in patients who have diabetes.
I have diabetes. Do I have neuropathy?
If you think you have nerve damage, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can typically occur in your hands, legs, or feet.
- Pain
- Tingling
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
What are the concerns with diabetic neuropathy?
For patients with diabetic neuropathy, the severe nerve damage impacts the ability to sense hot or cold — or sharp or dull. This increases the chances for a patient to have a delayed response to a scrape or bruise. Many times, the patient notices after the wound develops into a diabetic ulcer, which can be painful and become infected. Following a neuropathy diagnosis, it is even more important to check your feet regularly.
Can diabetic neuropathy be reversed?
While pain and discomfort can be managed, diabetic neuropathy is a progressive condition that is irreversible.
What are the ways to prevent diabetic neuropathy?
- Monitor and maintain a healthy blood sugar level
- Do not smoke, or stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet
- Check your feet daily
Dr. Issam Mansour is a board-certified podiatrist. If you’re in the Livonia area, visit our office to discuss your symptoms. We can help. Request an appointment online or call us at 734-744-5661.