Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which diabetes causes damage to the nerves, most commonly in the feet, legs, arms, or hands. This nerve damage can lead to pain, burning, numbness, tingling, cramping, and balance issues. These symptoms may affect patients both during the day and at night, often interfering with sleep. Over time, neuropathy reduces communication between the affected nerves and the brain, impacting normal function.

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Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy

The primary cause of diabetic neuropathy is diabetes, but symptoms can also appear in people who are pre-diabetic, borderline diabetic, or insulin resistant. The specific symptoms and severity depend on which nerves are affected.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain and burning sensations
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle cramping
  • Balance problems

The feet, legs, arms, and hands are most frequently affected.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diagnosis involves a physical exam and a review of symptoms and medical history. Additional nerve-specific tests may include:

  • Electromyogram (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles
  • Nerve conduction testing: Assesses the speed of signals through nerves
  • Nerve biopsy: Examines nerve tissue

Other tests may include blood work, X-rays, and imaging studies to evaluate underlying conditions.

Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

At Michigan Integrative Health, we treat patients experiencing pain, burning, numbness, tingling, cramping, and balance problems associated with diabetic neuropathy. Our comprehensive exam and evaluation determine if you are a candidate for care and identify drug-free, non-surgical approaches to relieve symptoms and restore nerve function.

Our all-natural approach has helped Type 2 diabetic patients improve blood sugar control, in some cases allowing their doctors to reduce or discontinue diabetes medications. Because we do not follow insurance-based guidelines, we are able to focus on addressing the root cause of neuropathy rather than only treating the symptoms.