Diabetic Neuropathy

Nearly 12% of the United States population has diabetes, and up to 70% of people with diabetes may develop diabetic neuropathy during their lifetime. At The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine in Dallas, Texas, pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC diagnoses and treats diabetic neuropathy to ease any discomfort. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar linked to diabetes. It’s often characterized by numbness and tingling. 

While there’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, treatment at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine helps minimize symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. 

Between optimizing medical management and using the most updated technology for spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, treating painful diabetic neuropathy is a reality.

What symptoms can diabetic neuropathy cause?

The following symptoms may develop because of diabetic neuropathy:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain in your limbs
• Foot or leg sores
• Pins and needles sensation
• Stabbing or shooting discomfort
• Sharp pain or cramping
• Changes in the way you sweat
• Slow-healing sores
• Unusual touch sensations
• Not feeling pain during foot injuries
• Muscle weakness
• Digestive, bowel, or urinary problems
• Sexual dysfunction

Nerve damage caused by diabetes often develops over many years, so you might not notice its symptoms initially. 

What are the risk factors for diabetic neuropathy?

Neuropathy risk factors for people with diabetes can include:

• Poorly controlled blood sugar
• Having diabetes for a long time
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High body mass index (BMI)
• Kidney disease
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use

Prevention measures include adopting healthy lifestyle habits, routine blood sugar monitoring, and effective blood sugar control with medications when necessary. 

How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed?

The expert team at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine reviews your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and symptoms to learn if you have diabetic neuropathy and how to best treat your condition. 

You’ll complete a physical exam, a diabetic foot exam, lab work, nerve testing, and imaging or other diagnostic tests to create an effective treatment plan.

How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

Your customized diabetic neuropathy treatment plan may consist of:

• Healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle changes
• Nutrition education 
• Dietary supplements
• Reducing or eliminating alcohol
• Not smoking
• Weight management
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Topical treatments 
• Medication management
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation 

Follow up with The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine team to ensure effective and long-lasting pain relief.

Schedule a diabetic neuropathy evaluation at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine by calling the office or booking a visit online today.