{"id":900,"date":"2025-02-11T08:44:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T13:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/diabetes\/?p=900"},"modified":"2025-02-24T10:02:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T15:02:20","slug":"what-is-diabetic-neuropathy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/diabetes\/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Diabetic Neuropathy?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetic Neuropathy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a type of metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetes mellitus is a varied condition that damages many organ systems and affects approximately 415 million people worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Types Of Diabetes Mellitus<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetes is of three main types:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Type I: This is also known as juvenile diabetes and is a result of insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Type II: Accounting for about 90% of all cases of diabetes, type II diabetes mellitus is defined by insulin resistance which means that insulin receptors on cells do not respond to insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Gestational Diabetes: This is seen in pregnant women who do not have a prior diagnosis of diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It is theorized that gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">What Is Neuropathy?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Neuropathy refers to a condition in which damage or disease is affecting the nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_18610\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CyOdY5L-YeE?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&rel=1&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&disablekb=0&\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Nerves control both movement and sensation, so depending on the type of nerve affected (motor, sensory, or mixed), there can be several varied signs and symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling sensation, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It can affect a single nerve or many nerves simultaneously and it can be an acute or chronic condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">How Is Neuropathy Related To Diabetes?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetes causes damage to nerves by altering the function of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The excessively high levels of glucose in the blood are thought to cause damage to the covering of the nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">This covering called the myelin sheath helps in the conduction of impulses along the nerve cell and from one nerve cell to another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Damage to the myelin sheath results in reduced or slowed conduction of impulses in the nerves which gives rise to the various symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It can affect any nerves,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Diabetic neuropathy first starts in the feet and then progresses to other regions of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Signs and symptoms depend on the particular nerves that are affected, their location, and their functions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Common symptoms are:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Numbness, especially in the extremities (hands and feet)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Tingling sensations<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Burning or freezing sensations<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Shooting pain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Loss of muscle mass and tone in the small muscles of the hands and feet<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Imbalance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Random muscle contractions<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Dizziness<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Increased sweating<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Urinary problems<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">\u00b7 Sexual dysfunction<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It is diagnosed by a doctor based on physical examination, patient symptoms, and physiological tests such as a nerve conduction test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Nerve conduction tests are a type of neurophysiological testing that involves passing small amounts of current through major peripheral nerves to access their function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The test commonly used is an EMG test. EMG stands for Electromyogram which loosely translated means electrical testing of muscles but in fact, has come to mean electrical testing of nerves and muscles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">This test is not fun in the least bit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The primary treatment is regaining and maintaining control of blood glucose levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The treatment of diabetic neuropathy aims to prevent further nerve damage and restore as much nerve function as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking the appropriate medications are vital to controlling diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">You may also be given medications to help you cope with the pain of diabetic neuropathy, as well as medications to encourage nerve and myelin sheath repair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It is important to be vigilant and proactive about foot care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Anyone with diabetes or diabetic neuropathy should routinely examine their feet for any wounds or injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It is critical that early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes can prevent life-altering and devastating consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">It is an often serious and painful condition that can affect anyone with diabetes and can affect any nerve in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">To prevent or reduce your chances of developing diabetic neuropathy, it is essential to keep your diabetes under control and your blood sugar levels stable and within the normal range.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The prognosis of treatment depends largely on the control of underlying diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">With the advances in modern medicine, ongoing clinical trials, and the development of new medications, we are moving closer to normal treatments and maybe even a permanent solution for diabetic neuropathy.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a type of metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus is a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"What is Diabetic Neuropathy? - Diabetes","description":"Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a type of metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels. 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