Dr. A H Wahid, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician.

 

Nerve injury is referred to in medicine as neuropathy. Up to 26% of persons with type 2 diabetes have signs of nerve damage at the time of diabetes diagnosis, making neuropathy a prevalent consequence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The most prevalent kind of diabetic neuropathy is polyneuropathy which is a generalised form of neuropathy. 

Loss of sensation and/or scorching/burning pain in the feet are indications of diabetic neuropathy. Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are tingling sensation, shock like sensation. The risk of developing diabetic neuropathy may be decreased by early identification of diabetes and blood sugar control.

Treatments for diabetic neuropathy are available and comprise a number of components, such as nutrition and exercise, blood glucose control, injury prevention, and pain management.

It need not be emphasized that diabetic control remain the cornerstone for treatment of Diabetic neuropathy but for acute management of the various symptoms it is necessary to get evaluated in the form of Nerve Conduction study and appropriate drugs be initiated.

Of recent, the advancement of medical technology has brought us various new drugs especially in the purview of Diabetic neuropathy not only in the form of neuropathic pain killers but also drugs that help to retard and reverse the already done damage to the nerves due to uncontrolled sugar levels. This brings in new hope to the thousands of patients suffering from the clutches of this cruel illness.

 

RISKS FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Having consistently high blood sugar levels is the main risk factor for developing diabetic neuropathy in persons with type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Other elements, such as the following, can further raise the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy such as:

1.Cardiovascular illness

2.Higher-than-normal triglyceride levels

3.Being overweight

4.Smoking

5. High blood pressure

 

TESTS FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Based on a medical history and a physical examination of the foot, diabetic neuropathy is identified. There may be indications of nerve damage during an examination, such as:

1. Loss of the capacity to feel movement and vibration in the feet or toes (for instance, when the toe is moved up or down).

2. Loss of pain, light touch, and temperature perception in the toes or feet

Diagnosing diabetic neuropathy typically does not require more thorough testing, such as nerve conduction studies, nerve biopsies, or imaging tests (such as X-rays or computed tomography [CT] scans).

 

TREATING DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Treatment for diabetic neuropathy consists of four key elements.

1. Controlling blood sugar levels

2. Changing one's lifestyle, particularly through nutrition and exercise

3. Taking care of one's feet to avoid problems

4. Managing discomfort brought on by neuropathy.