About this topic
Diabetes is an illness that makes your blood sugar too high. If your blood sugar is not in control, you may have problems with how well your nerves work. High blood sugars can damage the small blood vessels that carry food and oxygen to these nerves. Nerve damage in diabetics is called diabetic neuropathy. ‚
Your nerves carry information to the brain about pain. This gives your body information about senses, moving, and the environment. ‚
Diabetic neuropathy can cause problems with your legs, feet, arms, and hands. Your nerves in your hands and feet carry information to the brain about pain and the sense of touch, such as something being too hot or too cold. Specific nerves in the face or eyes may also be affected. ‚
There is no cure for this illness. Diabetic neuropathy can be prevented by managing your blood sugar levels. Doctors treat this illness by managing the signs. ‚
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What are the causes?
You are more likely to have this problem if your blood sugar is not well controlled. Your nerves may be harmed if you have high blood sugars levels and low blood flow to the nerves. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have this problem if your diabetes is not under control. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your arms and legs. This means you may have pain, numbness, or tingling. You may not notice if you step on something sharp or have a small cut on your foot. You may not notice if you touch something too hot or too cold. Your nerves cannot send a signal of pain to your brain. As a result, you cannot protect yourself from injuring your hands or feet. You often do not know you have hurt yourself because you do not feel pain.
- Loss of pain or feeling in your hands, fingers, arms, feet, toes, and legs.
- Weakness in your arms or legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor may also check your sense of temperature or vibration on hands and feet. Tests to see how well your nerves are working or to look for other causes of the problem may be ordered. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will work to get your blood sugar in control. The doctor will treat any pain you are having. Your doctor will teach you ways to protect your feet and hands from injury. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control blood sugar
- Help with pain
- Treat an upset stomach or throwing up
- Fight an infection
Will there be any other care needed?
- Check your feet each day with a mirror to see if there are any sores, blisters, or cuts.
- Wear shoes that fit well. Always wear soft cotton socks with your shoes.
- If you have sores on your feet, the doctor may send you to a foot care expert. If you have sores on your arms or legs you may need a wound care expert to help get them healed.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Keep your blood sugar in good control. Good control of blood sugar is the only way to protect your nerves from damage. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/ ‚
Diabetes Forecast ‚
http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/diabetes-101/basics-neuropathy?utm_source=WWW&utm_medium=ContentPage&utm_content=NeuropathyBasics&utm_campaign=DF ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚