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What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. The most common types of diabetic neuropathy cause problems with sensation in the feet. It can develop slowly after many years of diabetes or may occur early in the disease. The symptoms are numbness, pain, or tingling in the feet. The loss of sensation in the feet may also increase the possiblity that foot injuries will go unnoticed and develop into ulcers or infections. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can be associated with difficulty walking and some weakness in the foot muscles. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can exacerbate the problem.

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

Nerve damage occurs in those who have had diabetes because their blood sugar level is higher than normal. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves. Those diabetics who do not control their blood sugar well are more likely to develop neuropathy.

What is the Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy?

Currently, there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. The goal of treating diabetic neuropathy is to prevent further damage and relieve discomfort. Getting blood sugar levels under control by diet and/or medication is the key to treating diabetic neuropathy. A healthy diet low in fat and sugars, exercise as well as regular visits with your physician are very important to controlling diabetes. Also, taking special care of the feet by wearing proper fitting shoes and routinely checking the feet for open areas or cuts, red areas or signs of infection. There are prescription medications that may be prescribed by the treating physician.  There are also a few over-the-counter foot creams such as Neuro-Eze Neuropathy Cream and DiabetiDerm that may help alleviate or lessen some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.