If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ve probably come to terms with the fact that your lifestyle will require some health-focused modifications. However, in addition to managing the disease, these changes are crucial to preventing common consequences of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy. To learn more about this nerve damage condition and how neuropathy therapy can help, review these frequently asked questions.

FAQ About Diabetic Neuropathy

What is diabetic neuropathy?

There are four different types of diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common, and it’s marked by nerve damage in the extremities, such as the legs and arms. Autonomic neuropathy consists of nerve damage in the internal organs, such as the bladder, stomach, and heart.

Focal neuropathies affect specific nerves in either the leg, head, torso, or hand. The rarest type, proximal neuropathy, is severe nerve damage in the pelvis area, including the hips and thighs.

What problems does diabetic neuropathy cause?

People with peripheral neuropathy may become desensitized to feelings in the hands and feet. While hand-related ailments are easy to spot, it’s easy to walk around for hours without noticing a sore on the foot, which can turn into an ulcer or an infection. In severe cases, patients may need to resort to amputation.

Since autonomic neuropathy affects the organs, patients may experience problems going to the restroom, digesting food, or maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Proximal neuropathy can result in significant pelvic discomfort, as well as weight loss.

How can you prevent diabetic neuropathy?

If you have diabetes and are, therefore, at risk of neuropathy, it’s imperative that you check in with your doctor at regular intervals so that they can offer tips on how to control your diabetes. You should also check on your blood sugar levels daily and adjust your diet and exercise plans to keep them in check. Your health care provider may recommend limiting alcohol and quitting smoking, as well as taking prescriptions to treat your diabetes.

How is neuropathy treated?

Patients with diabetic neuropathy often experience pain that can prevent them from exercising, and limit their range of motion. Therefore, doctors may prescribe neuropathy therapy with a physical therapist to promote physical activity, reduce the severity of nerve pain, and increase a patient’s range of motion. In addition to nerve pain, a decreased sensitivity in the extremities can increase the risk of a fall accident. Through physical therapy activities such as strength training and mobility exercises, patients can improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling. 

If you’re dealing with diabetic neuropathy, turn to Realhab Inc. of Parrish, FL. Under the care of Gayle Reed, you’ll benefit from personalized physical therapy, and they can treat your diabetes symptoms with orthotics fittings, medical massages, and other rehabilitation services. To learn more about their work, visit the website, or you can also call (941) 776-5585 to arrange for an appointment.