Advanced Pain Management Las Vegas Diabetic Neuropathy Dr Satish Sharma MD

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Diabetic Neuropathy

Nerve injuries are caused by decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels. They are more likely to develop if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.

About half of people with diabetes will develop nerve damage. Most of the time symptoms do not begin until 10 to 20 years after diabetes has been diagnosed.

Nerve injuries may affect:

* Nerves in the hands and feet

* Nerves from the spinal column and their branches

* Nerves that help your body manage vital organs, such as the heart, bladder, stomach, and intestines (called autonomic neuropathy)

Symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly over several years. They can vary depending on the nerves that are affected.

Tingling or burning in the arms and legs may be an early sign of nerve damage. These feelings often start in your toes and feet. You may have deep pain, often in the feet and legs.

Nerve damage may cause you to lose feeling in your arms and legs. Because of this you may:

* Not notice when you step on something sharp

* Not know that you have a blister or small cut

* Not notice when you touch something that is too hot or cold

Signs and tests

A physical exam may show:

* A lack of reflexes in the ankle

* A loss of feeling in the feet

* Changes in the skin

Tests that may be done include:

* Electromyogram (EMG) -- a recording of electrical activity in muscles

* Nerve conduction velocity tests (NCV) -- a recording of the speed at which signals travel along nerves

Treatment

It is very important to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. You should learn the basic steps for managing your diabetes, avoiding its complications, and staying as healthy as possible. These steps will include diet, exercise, and may include medicines.

At Advanced Pain management Center, we can assist with medications that may be used to reduce symptoms and help control pain from nerve damage.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

Call 702.739.8323 or send us a message on the Contact Us page. Hablamos Espanol

Information courtesy of the National Library of Medicine