Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves in the feet, legs, arms or hands become damaged due to Diabetes. This can lead to pain, burning, numbness, tingling, cramping and imbalance. These symptoms can have an effect during the waking hours as well as at night, where eventually it makes it very difficult to get the appropriate amount of sleep. As with other neuropathies, Diabetic neuropathy leads to a decrease in communication between the effected area, whether it be the feet, legs, arms or hands.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
Obviously, Diabetes is the cause. Causes of the symptoms associated with Diabetic Neuropathy can also result in those who are borderline diabetic, pre-diabetic and insulin resistance. Depending upon which nerves in the body are affected, neuropathy may be the result of a number of different conditions.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Symptoms associated with Diabetic neuropathy can include pain, burning, numbness, tingling, cramping and imbalance. Areas most often affected are the feet, legs, arms and hands.
Diagnosis of Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy is diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms and the patient's medical history. One or more nerve-specific tests may be performed, including an electromyogram (EMG)to assess the electrical activity of certain muscles, nerve conduction testing to measure the speed of pulses within the nerves and a biopsy of nerve tissue. Additional tests may include:
- Blood test
- X-rays
- Imaging tests
Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy
Traditional insurance-based care for Diabetic neuropathy involves medications to address the Diabetes, as well as medications to calm down the pain, burning, numbness, tingling, and cramping sensations in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. When loss of balance occurs, canes, walkers and wheelchairs can be offered.
Additional Resources
- MedlinePlus
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- WebMD
At Michigan Integrative Health we see many people with the pain, burning, numbness, tingling, cramping and imbalance associated with Diabetic Neuropathy. Our unique exam and evaluation will prove if we can help you and what it will take to either resolve, or greatly reduce your suffering. Since we do not follow the insurance-based guidelines of healthcare, we are able to provide care that gets to the cause. Our all natural approach has proven to help those who are Type 2 Diabetics lower their sugar to the point that their doctor will lower the dosage or take them off of their medications for Diabetes.
