Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes. Exposure to high blood glucose levels over an extended period of time causes damage to the peripheral nerves – the nerves that go to the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy can occur in many places in the body, the most common symptoms are abnormal sensations in the toes and feet, including:
- Sharp, shooting pains
- Burning
- Tingling
- A feeling of being pricked with pins
- Throbbing
- Numbness (not able to properly feel pain, heat, or cold)
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy increases the risk for foot ulcers and amputation. Due to nerve damage in their feet and toes, people with diabetes who have diabetic peripheral neuropathy often do not notice minor cuts, sores, or blisters in these areas. If left untreated, these small wounds can easily become infected, lead to gangrene, and may eventually require amputation of the affected area.
Risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy include:
- High blood glucose (sugar) levels
- Elevated triglycerides
- Excess body weight
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
Diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the feet
Your doctor or foot care specialist can test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy by lightly pressing a thin nylon rod (10-gram monofilament) to different areas of your foot (in particular, your big toe) or by using the 128-Hz tuning fork on the back of the big toe to determine if you can feel it. These are easy and pain-free tests.
When to screen for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
For type 1 diabetes
- Because diabetic peripheral neuropathy is uncommon within the first five years after onset of type 1 diabetes, annual screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy should begin after five years of diabetes diagnosis.
- For children with type 1 diabetes, screening should be done once the child is past puberty and has had diabetes for at least five years.
For type 2 diabetes
- For people with type 2 diabetes, screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy should begin right away, at diagnosis of diabetes, and every year after that.
How can I prevent complications of diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
Although there is no cure, there are many ways you can effectively manage diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Proper foot care
- Examine your feet and legs daily.
- Care for you nails regularly.
- Apply lotion if your feet are dry (but not between the toes).
- Wear properly fitting footwear.
- Test your bath water before you step in to make sure it’s not too hot.
- Do not soak your feet.
Excellent blood glucose control
- Managing your blood glucose levels effectively can help to prevent further nerve damage.
Medications
- Some medications that act on the nerves, can be helpful.
- Ask your doctor what would be best for you diabetes.
http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/complications/nerve-damage-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy