Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

A Nerve Condition Associated with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes affecting the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

This condition is associated with diabetes mellitus and is a frequent complication. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and lead to pain – especially legs and feet.

Our expert pain management doctors use innovative procedures to accurately diagnose your pain and safe, non-surgical procedures to alleviate the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

High blood sugar levels, that are chronically elevated, will cause damage to nerves. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy.

Peripheral: The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral diabetic neuropathy. This is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar that most commonly affects the feet and legs. Damage to the nerves can result in decreased sensation, making it more difficult to walk and putting patients at risk of injuring their feet because of loss of sensation. Patients with diabetes who develop ulcers or infections in the feet need to be followed closely.
Autonomic: Autonomic diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms of diabetic neuropathy. This is characterized by nerve damage to nerves that control automatic bodily functions, such as blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and more.
Proximal: Proximal diabetic neuropathy affects a person’s thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs. This type of nerve damage is most common in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and over the age of 50.
Focal: Focal diabetic neuropathy usually affects a single nerve. This type of neuropathy is less common than peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.

Getting better control of the patient’s blood sugar levels often may be associated with decreased symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy?

For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients will have symptoms on the lower half of their body – specifically legs, feet, and toes. Primary diabetic neuropathy symptoms include:

Tingling
Numbness
Burning sensation
Any other type of pain affecting the feet or toes

Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Treated?

Diabetic neuropathy can be treated, depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients can see a decrease in the severity of symptoms in a few months with a combination of treatments, including physical therapy, medications, and exercise. However, some patients may see lasting disabilities, especially if not treated quickly. A pain specialist can find the best treatment for you.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

Proper diagnosis starts with an experienced physician. The type of pain that you may have with diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be similar to the symptoms of several types of disorders. Accurately determining the correct source of your pain is critical to successful treatment.

Begins with a thorough clinical evaluation
Including a complete medical history, analysis of your symptoms, and physical examination
Testing may include x-rays, MRI and/or CT scans, and peripheral nerve conduction study
These advanced diagnostic techniques help pinpoint the source of pain

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