Diabetic Neuropathy Specialist

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetes is an illness that makes it difficult for your body to regulate your blood sugar levels. Having blood sugar levels that are chronically higher than are typical can lead to many serious complications.

Diabetic Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is one of the most common diabetes complications, affecting approximately 60-70% of all patients. It occurs when persistently high blood sugar levels damage the protective covering on your nerves or the blood vessels that carry oxygen to your nerves.

Damaged nerves may send messages slowly, send messages at the wrong times, or stop sending messages altogether.

What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy?

If you have Diabetic Neuropathy, your symptoms vary depending on which nerves are damaged. There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, and it’s possible to have more than one kind:

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is by far the most common type of diabetes-related nerve damage. It typically affects your feet and legs first, followed by your hands and arms. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected areas, as well as a reduced ability to feel pain or changes in temperature.

As it progresses, peripheral neuropathy may also cause muscle weakness, diminished balance and coordination, and severe foot problems like ulcers and infections.     

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic Neuropathy damages the nerves that control your internal organs and may cause symptoms ranging from constipation and bladder problems to increased heart rate and decreased sexual response.

Focal Neuropathy

Focal Neuropathy causes damage to a single nerve, most often in your head, hand, torso, or leg. Depending on the location of the affected nerve, it can cause pain in the chest, abdomen, shin, foot, or lower back, as well as double vision or partial facial paralysis.

Proximal Neuropathy

This condition affects the nerves in your thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. Common symptoms include severe pain in one of those areas and difficulty standing from a seating position.

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy?

It’s essential to manage your diabetes as directed to prevent, reduce, or delay the onset of this condition. Active preventive care also includes taking good care of your feet, particularly if you’ve already experienced a decreased sensation or other early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

In addition to scheduling regular, comprehensive foot exams with Dr. Coletta, it’s important to pay close attention to your feet at home. You should:

• Check your feet for any signs of injury every day
• Keep your feet clean, dry, and lightly moisturized   
• Trim your toenails carefully
• Never trim or file calluses or corns yourself
• Wear clean, dry socks that wick away moisture
• Wear cushioned, well-fitting shoes that protect your feet
• Avoid wearing flip-flops, open-toed sandals, or going barefoot

To schedule your next diabetic foot screening, call Dr. Coletta’s office or book an appointment online today.