A Complete Overview of Diabetic Neuropathy

Roughly 11% of the U.S. population has diabetes. Although there’s no cure, it’s highly manageable through consistent lifestyle changes, monitoring and medication. But did you know that up to 50% of diabetic patients develop a condition called diabetic neuropathy that affects their nerves?

Keep reading to learn from our expert foot and ankle surgeon, Shreya Gupta, DPM, about diabetic neuropathy, including its causes, symptoms, treatment and the importance of early detection.

Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes is a condition where your body can’t absorb blood sugar, or glucose, in its cells and use it for energy. This means you have a surplus of blood sugar in your bloodstream. “Over a long period of time, the extra glucose can cause nerve damage, which is a condition called diabetic neuropathy,” says Dr. Gupta. Typically, this condition affects nerves in the hands, feet and legs.

The exact cause of diabetic and other types of neuropathy isn’t currently known, but research suggests that the buildup of glucose in the body is the main cause. “There are several types of diabetic-related neuropathy, including peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal,” says Shreya. The most common type is peripheral, which affects the nerves outside the spinal cord.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

People with diabetic neuropathy can have mild or severe symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

• A loss of sensation in the feet
• Burning or shooting pains in the legs
• Numbness
• Problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart

There are also several signs you shouldn’t ignore. Sometimes, patients experience things like sores, ulcers, infections, burning sensations, changes in digestion, urination, sexual function and dizziness, and they assume it’s caused by something else,” explains Shreya. “But these warning signs shouldn’t be ignored.”

While these warning signs could be an indicator of something else, if you have diabetes, visit your primary care provider right away to get the prompt, compassionate care you deserve.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Neuropathy

While anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy, certain factors may increase your risk of developing it, including:

• Dyslipidemia
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Long-standing diabetes
• Obesity
• Older age
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Poor blood sugar control
• Smoking

“While certain risk factors are in your control, others aren’t. That’s why it’s so important to develop a relationship with your care team, so they can work with you to develop treatment plans that best support your health needs and goals,” explains Shreya.

Our compassionate providers are happy to work with you to create the lifestyle changes you need to reduce your risk of diabetic neuropathy. If you don’t already have an established primary care provider, visit us here to find one near you.

The Importance of Podiatrists and Early Detection

“Podiatrists play a vital role when it comes to early detection of diabetic neuropathy,” explains Shreya. “They’re able to find early warning signs in patients through comprehensive foot exams that test nerve sensitivity and blood circulation.”

Early detection of diabetic neuropathy is important because it can prevent the risk of developing diabetic ulcers and worsening symptoms. Early detection also allows for proper medical management to begin, which can delay or even stop its progression, helping to prevent long-term damage.

How to Prevent and Treat Diabetic Neuropathy

“When it comes to preventing and treating symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, the best things you can do are to manage your blood glucose, pressure and cholesterol levels,” says Shreya. To further prevent diabetic neuropathy, take the following steps:

• Follow your dietary needs
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Regularly exercise
• Remain physically active
• Take necessary medications

Currently, there’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but taking the above steps will help you prevent and manage your symptoms.

Delivering the Whole-Person Care You Deserve

At AdventHealth, we’re dedicated to providing you with world-class care that heals your body, strengthens your mind and empowers your spirit. Whether you’re looking for more information on diabetic neuropathy or comprehensive treatment, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule an appointment with Shreya Gupta, DPM, for the expert and compassionate care you deserve.