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 your nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage in diabetics is called diabetic neuropathy. The blood and oxygen supply of major body organs and limbs may be affected. ‚
Diabetic neuropathy can cause problems with your legs, feet, arms, and hands. You may have problems with the nerves going to your heart or lungs. Some people have problems with their stomach or bowels. Others have problems with their kidneys, bladder, or sex organs. 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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take care of your blood sugar.
- Check your blood sugar. Keep a record of your results.
- Note how you feel when your blood sugar is high versus when you blood sugar is within normal limits.
- Control your blood sugar by staying away from sugary foods and by taking your antidiabetic drugs.
- Take care of your skin.
- Bathe each day. Pat yourself dry. Dry skin between toes and any skin folds.
- Check your skin daily for any signs of sores, wounds, or infection.
- Use lotion or moisturizer to avoid skin dryness.
- Take care of your feet.
- Keep feet moisturized. Do not put lotion in between toes.
- Do not walk bare foot. Do not wear shoes without socks.
- Wear shoes that fit the right way. Wear socks made of cotton.
- Regular walking helps blood flow. You can wear a support stocking to treat blood pressure problems.
- Use lubricating creams to prevent vaginal dryness.
- Your doctor may suggest you use drugs or devices to help erections.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
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 physical activity be limited?
- Your activity may be limited due to signs from diabetic neuropathy.
- Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal activities.
- Ask your doctor about the right amount of exercise for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat small meals more often. Eat foods high in fiber and low in fat to help with hard stools.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Stop smoking.
What problems could happen?
- Bladder infection
- Kidney infection
- Damage to the feet because of loss of feeling
- Muscle injury
- Poor blood sugar control due to upset stomach and throwing up
- Skin and soft tissue injury that may lead to amputation
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or a wound that will not heal.
- New sores or signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound.
- Numbness on the foot or legs
- Blood sugar is lower or higher than normal
- Chest pain
- Loose or hard stools
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Sexual dysfunction
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my feet and skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a new sore or signs of a wound infection.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/ ‚
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. ‚