Question 1

what is diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Foot ulceration: Diabetics have loss of protective sensation to their feet.  This occurs because excess glucose in the blood causes pathological changes to the nerves.  Poor sensation can lead to the development of sores or ulcers.  Diabetic also have poor blood supply to their feet so it is difficult to heal the ulcers.  The ulcers can get infected and cause gangrene of the foot.

Question 2

can diabetic neuropathy be cured?

Accepted Answer

Acetyl l carnitine: The only thing with evidence to suggest it may be able to help nerve recovery in diabetic neuropathy is acetyl l carnitine.  It is a safe over the counter Amino Acid supplement that is proven to alleviate symtpoms and may aid in nerve regeneration.

Question 3

how common is diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Very: With the increase in the number of diabetics neuropathy will continue to rise..

Question 4

could diabetic neuropathy be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Great question!!: You have entered into the frontiers of medicine, and briefly, we do have a prescription medical food, metanx, which has been biopsy proven to restore density of small fiber loss in diabetes.  There is also some data to suggest better outcomes with very strict blood sugar control.. In europe, there are a few drugs which seem to offer further promise, but not yet on usa market.

Question 5

how to tell if i have diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Filament testing: There is a standardized test using a small monofiliment that is touched to the skin.  Your podiatrist or internest can do this test for you to test for lack of skin sensation in different areas, usually in the feet.

Question 6

how to get relief for diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Neuropathy Relief: That's a good question.  Do you mean relief from the condition, or relief from the symptoms?

It is said that getting the blood sugar back to normal can eventually help the nerves heal.  That is a worthy goal, and unfortunately difficult.  Comments are appreciated.

Symptomatic relief often occurs with medicine, either topical or oral.  Gabapentin is a popular option, amitriptyline, etc.

Question 7

what are the tests for diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Exams and tests: Diagnosis based largely on symptoms, medical history, and physical exam. It is diagnosed using tests that check for a protein called Albumin in the urine, which is an indicator of kidney damage.

Question 8

what are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Variable: May have feelings of numbness, cold, tingling, tightness in feet or hands. May not actually be cold or numb but feels to you that way. Other people have described it as a feeling of tightness of the skin, or that they are wearing a tight sock on foot even if nothing is on foot. May have a sensation of ingrown nails even if not actually ingrown. Symptoms are most often proniounced during inactivity.

Question 9

what's a good thing to take for diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Many things: There are many medications to take for neuropathy.  It would be best to consult your doctor.

Question 10

what symptoms typically go along with diabetic neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Numbness: People often first notice numbness and tingling in their feet.  The longest nerves in the body are affected first, so it begins in the feet and moves upwards.  Later, the hands can be affected as well.   Since you cannot feel your feet, it is very important to inspect them regularly for cuts that are not healing, as these can be a risk of serious infection.

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Doctor answers about:

Diabetic neuropathy

A member asked:

What is diabetic neuropathy?

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Can diabetic neuropathy be cured?

A member asked:

How common is diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

Could diabetic neuropathy be reversed?

A member asked:

How to tell if i have diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

How to get relief for diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

What are the tests for diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

What's a good thing to take for diabetic neuropathy?

A member asked:

What symptoms typically go along with diabetic neuropathy?

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