What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes that affects the arms, hands, legs, and feet. This is not a condition that comes on overnight, as it generally develops slowly and worsens over time. Sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves are all affected by diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms of these three types of neuropathy include:
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs, including prickly, sharp pain or burning feet
- Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone in the feet and lower legs
- Loss of balance
- Changes in foot shape that can lead to areas of increased pressure
- Dry feet
- Cracked skin
How is diabetic peripheral neuropathy treated?
The most important thing to remember is that treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy revolves around controlling your blood sugar levels. Make sure you wear well-fitting shoes to avoid getting sores. Inspect your feet every day and should you notice any cuts, redness or blisters, it is imperative to come and see our specialists immediately. Medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of neuropathy such as burning or tingling.
