What You Should Know About Diabetic Neuropathy

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People who have diabetes can also suffer from diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the more serious forms of nerve damage that can arise. High blood sugar levels are responsible for this consequence of diabetes, and the damage from this shows up in the feet and legs.

 

Diabetic neuropathy is prompted by the walls of the blood vessels that supply the nerves becoming thicker. The result of this is fewer nutrients are unable to get to the nerves as well as a demyelination (destruction of the myelin sheath that protects nerves) of the Schwann cells that surround and insulate the nerves. This reduces the capacity of the nerves to conduct impulses back to the brain. Sorbitol also forms and accumulates in the Schwann cells causing further nerve conduction impairment.

There are two kinds of neuropathies that can form with diabetes; mononeuropathies and polyneuropathies. Polyneuropathies are the common found in those having diabetes and they are a bilateral sensory ailment. The symptoms for this form of diabetic neuropathy are mostly observed in the toes and also feet and normally appear there at first. The hands and finger can as well be affected. However, this usually occurs at the later stages of the disorder. Where the symptoms are seen will depend on the types of nerves fibers that are attacked.

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It’s important that patients tightly control their blood sugar level to prevent the problems associated with diabetic neuropathy from getting worse. There are several different diabetic neuropathy symptoms associated with this ailment and these include:

Tingling.

Now while many people can experience tingling in their feet, the person who also suffers from diabetes should be especially careful when they feel this in that particular extremity. Tingling in the feet can be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy which can cause physical damage if left untreated.

Numbness.

Some people think that numbness is not one of the symptoms that they need to worry about but where diabetic neuropathy is concerned prolonged or severe numbness can become a permanent condition. Here again, it’s important that patients watch their blood sugar levels.

Pain.

Of course, pain is not good for your feet under any circumstance, but again people who have diabetes need to be careful because this is a symptom of a diabetic neuropathy situation and can become severe if left untreated.

Many patients who suffer from diabetic neuropathy need to find a clinic that can treat their condition, although there are a few things that you can do on your own in preparation for making that kind of visit and these things include,

1. A body examination daily. People who suffer from diabetes need to take a good look at their legs and feet on a regular basis even more so than individuals who don’t suffer from the ailment.

2. It’s also important that the person with diabetes wears proper footwear that affords them protection at all times. They can not afford to go without footwear in circumstances where other people might.

However, there are other options, and the best of these prevent symptoms and the problems associated with diabetic neuropathy from getting worse. Patients can often try pain relief clinics, but they need to be sure to find one that has a comprehensive approach that involves both pain management and rehabilitation. Looking for a place that offers both of these is easier than it might first appear when you consider that you can search the Internet for the best solutions.

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It’s also important to remember that the best of these pain relief clinics also have a home program that the patient can use when they’re not at the clinic. Of course one of the things that you want to do is be able to differentiate between the websites that offer these services. The best of these websites should have:

Great contact information.

It’s important that you should be able to get in touch with the clinic you are thinking about using when you’re suffering from diabetic neuropathy. You want to be sure the contact information is prominently displayed.

Good credentials.

It’s important to the web pages and understands what the clinic will do for your diabetic neuropathy symptoms.
People who suffer from diabetic neuropathy can take advantage of the fact that the Internet offers treatment programs through various clinics.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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