Veronica- 

Diabetic Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood glucose can injure the nerve fibers. On average, symptoms begin 10 to 20 years after diagnosis. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop nerve damage.  here are two main types of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathies affect the skull (cranial nerves) or nerves from the spinal column and their branches. This type of neuropathy tends to develop in stages. Autonomic neuropathies affect the nerves that regulate the heart muscle and smooth muscles. Symptoms of neuropathy can vary depending on the area affected. If the stomach or digestive tract are affected, symptoms can be constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In the hands and feet symptoms can be deep pain in the extremities, loss of sense of warm and cold, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness. Other symptoms of neuropathies could be dizziness, drooping face, impotence, orthostatic hypotension, loss of bladder control, rapid heart rate, speech impairment, and vision changes.

Exams and tests may be done to determine if neuropathy is present. Physical examination including neurological and sensory tests can help diagnose neuropathies. Absence of ankle reflexes is a common early finding. Healthcare providers often test for loss of sensation in the feet with a monofilament. Electrodiagnostic testing may also be done. 

Treatment of neuropathy is to improve overall blood glucose control to prevent any further damage. Medications may be used to help relieve symptoms.  hese include antidepressant drugs (Elavil, Sinequan, Cymbalta) and antiseizure medications (Neurotin, Lyrica, Tegretol, Depakote)to help with feet, legs, and arms; drugs that block bladder contractions may be used to help with loss of bladder control; Erythromycin, Motilium, or raglan may be used to help with nausea and vomiting; Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are safe and effective for treating impotence; and Capsaicin can be used topically to reduce pain. 

Daily foot exams are important to help identify injury in a timely manner. Many times with neuropathies foot injuries can go unnoticed until it is a serious issue. Remember blood glucose control is the key to preventing or delaying or reversing any diabetes complications. 

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butterflyshirls  - podiatrist   |Registered |2010-02-16 20:02:29 My podiatrist told me that my hyper-sensitivity in my feet could also be a form of neuropathy. (If I have even the tiniest thing under my feet--for example a miniscule pebble in my shoe or a wrinkle in my sock--it drives me BATTY until I can get it fixed!) Since I'm not exactly overfond of shoes, it can be a problem if I haven't vacuumed the rugs lately. Also, diabetic retinopathy is also a form of nerve damage, I believe--feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

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