Diabetes is among the top 3 most common chronic diseases globally, leading to the deaths of millions of young adults and children. Also, diabetes has led to numerous other fatal blood sugar complications, such as diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetes and experience numbness, pain, and a tingling sensation on your hands or feet, you might have developed diabetic neuropathy. Thus, you should reach out to a diabetic neuropathy Baltimore expert near you. Here is everything you need to know about diabetic neuropathy and the possible treatments.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the many complicated conditions caused by high blood sugar levels. It is a painful and yet common condition among diabetic patients globally. There are generally four types of diabetic neuropathy, as highlighted below.
- Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy that first affects the legs and feet and then proceeds to the hands and arms. More than half of the global population living with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy. Also, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness, muscle weakness, sharp pain, cramps, etc., are usually worse at night.
- Autonomic neuropathy: This type of diabetic neuropathy usually affects and attacks the nerves controlling the internal organs such as the heart, digestive system, bladder, and sex organs. These autonomic nerves maintain the body’s blood pressure, heart rate, and digestive system.
- Focal neuropathy: This type of diabetic neuropathy is called mononeuropathy and affects a specific or a single group of nerves in the arm, torso, face, and leg. Mononeuropathy can lead to blurry or double vision, paralysis on one side of the body, and pain, numbness, and tingling at a specific body part.
- Proximal neuropathy: This particular type of neuropathy is rare among diabetic patients and affects the nerves on the buttocks, hips, thighs, and legs. This neuropathy can also affect one side of the body leading to severe and sudden pain.
The causes and triggers of diabetic neuropathy
Since diabetes causes high blood sugars in the bloodstream, excess blood sugars can lead to nerve damage and interfere with their ability to send signals to other body parts. As a result, diabetic neuropathy can develop.
According to medical researchers, the exact cause of diabetic neuropathy is unknown; however, consistently managing and controlling your blood sugar levels will significantly reduce the chances of nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy treatment
An endocrinologist or a podiatrist usually evaluates your symptoms by performing a physical exam on your current medical condition and medical history. A physical exam includes checking your muscle strength, reflexes, sensitivity to touch, and nerve functioning.
Once a neuropathy diagnosis has been made on you, the endocrinologists will develop a treatment plan for your type of neuropathy. The treatment plan includes pain reliever medications, injection therapy, and acupuncture, which allows you to resume your normal activities.
Contact the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center
If you are suffering from any diabetic neuropathic condition, visit the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center located in various states and cities in the US, such as Maryland, Baltimore, Rosedale, Lanham, Olney, Hyattsville, Gaithersburg, and Dundalk.
If you have diabetes and are experiencing numbness or tingling, you will have access to the best medical care and treatment at the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center. Call their offices today and book an appointment online.
