Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage) About diabetic neuropathy
Symptoms
Your nerves send signals to and from your brain about what you feel. When you have diabetes, you are more likely to have nerve damage (neuropathy) because of high blood sugar (glucose) levels and reduced blood flow. The damage may be brief or long lasting.
You may have one or more of these: • a tingling or painful feeling in the legs, feet, toes, arms, hands or fingers • an upset stomach, nausea or vomiting
About half of all people with diabetes have nerve damage. It usually happens after having diabetes for 10-20 years. It is most common in those who:
• diarrhea or constipation • a faint or dizzy feeling
• have high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels or high levels of fat in their blood
• trouble urinating • impotence
• are overweight
• vaginal dryness
• are over 40 years old
• facial drooping— eyelids or mouth
There are 4 main types of neuropathy:
• muscle contractions • trouble swallowing or talking
1. Peripheral—affects the toes, feet, legs, hands and arms. 2. Autonomic—affects the heart, blood vessels, digestive and urinary systems, sex organs, eyes and sweat glands. 3. Proximal—affects the thighs, hips and buttocks.
• vision changes
4. Focal—affects the eyes, face muscles, ears, pelvis, lower back, thighs and stomach. Copyright © 2006-2012 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.
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• sweating more or less than usual Atlanta, GA
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Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage) What you can do
Foot care
Tell your doctor right away about any possible signs. Neuropathy can lead to serious problems, if it is not treated early. Your treatment will depend on the symptoms you have.
When you have neuropathy, you need to take special care of your feet. The nerves leading to your feet are most often affected by nerve damage. This causes lack of feeling and you may not know when there is a problem. Daily foot checks are the best way to know if you have a sore or injury to your foot.
Blood glucose management To help prevent it, keep your blood glucose in a normal range. Monitor your blood glucose levels, and carefully manage your: • meal plan • physical activity
• medicines, if you take any
To monitor your blood glucose levels, get an A1C test at least 2 times a year. An A1C test gives your average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months.
• Clean your feet everyday with warm water (not hot) and a gentle soap. • Use a mirror to check your feet and toes for problems, like cuts, sores, redness or swelling. • Ask someone for help, if you can’t see them yourself. • Don’t go barefoot! Wear thick, comfortable socks or slippers. • Wear shoes that fit well. • Take care not to scratch or cut your feet. • Have your feet checked at each doctor visit.
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. Bringing Patients & Health Together ®
Atlanta, GA
800-241-4925
Copyright © 2006-2012 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.