Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage or dysfunction. There are various types of neuropathies that are classified by the specific nerve fibers and location affected. Some examples include sensory, motor, autonomic, or a combination of those. The most common case to date is diabetic neuropathy which has affected approximately half of people living with diabetes. 

What is Diabetic Neuropathy? 

For those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, nerve damage can result from poor glucose regulation and diminished circulation. This happens in response to the damage done to tiny blood vessels from high glucose levels. Blood flow is essential for moving oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. When nerves do not receive what they need, they begin to break down. This is commonly seen in the feet, legs, and hands, and even occasionally in the retina. Patients will often experience pain and numbness in their extremities. It is important to always check your feet for wounds or blisters as you may not feel pain from a wound/blister due to the neuropathy.  If you’re unable to lift your foot up to inspect yourself, use a mirror or ask a loved one to check regularly. It’s important to communicate with your provider if you experience wounds that are infected or won't heal so they can treat it quickly.  

Prevention and management

Diabetic neuropathy is a preventable complication of diabetes. The main component here is to keep blood sugar under control and monitor it regularly. This means maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating mostly whole foods and remaining active. Exercise in particular aids in insulin sensitivity and blood flow which improves the health of the blood vessels.

Foot care is also an important component. Regular visits to the podiatrist are recommended to inspect foot health. One must also be careful when trimming toenails to not cut yourself. If this is something you struggle with, it can be done by your podiatrist as well. Also make sure that the feet stay dry and clean. Avoid soaking in hot water because the nerves may not be able to accurately feel the temperature or if you have an open wound bacteria can get in.

If you struggle to get moving to ensure a healthy lifestyle, physical therapy is a great place to start. Our professionals are both Doctors of Physical Therapy as well as fitness experts who are able to meet their patients exactly where they are and have the best tools to guide them to where they want to be.