Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment Aafp

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting up to 70% of people living with the condition. It’s a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels over a long period of time. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy will vary depending on the type and severity of the symptoms, but the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to manage the condition.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar levels. It can affect any organ system in the body, but most commonly affects the hands, feet, and legs. People with diabetes are especially prone to developing this condition because of the effect of high blood sugar levels on the nervous system. It can also occur in other organs, such as the heart and digestive system.

Diabetic neuropathy is divided into two categories: peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for sensation and movement. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control your internal organs and systems, such as your heart rate and digestion. Both types of diabetic neuropathy can cause serious symptoms and complications.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on the type of neuropathy and the area of the body affected. Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation. Autonomic neuropathy can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and trouble controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

Diabetic neuropathy can also cause other complications, such as poor circulation, foot ulcers, and even limb amputation. If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart problems.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment Aafp

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to manage diabetic neuropathy. Lifestyle changes can include controlling diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. The AAFP also recommends physical therapy and occupational therapy to help manage symptoms.

Medications used to treat diabetic neuropathy include pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical medications. In addition, the AAFP recommends nerve blocks, nerve stimulation, and acupuncture to help manage the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Surgery is rarely used to treat the condition.

Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy

The best way to prevent diabetic neuropathy is to control diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication. It’s also important to have regular checkups with a doctor to monitor blood sugar levels and look for signs of neuropathy. People with diabetes should also take extra care of their feet, as neuropathy can lead to poor circulation and ulcers that can become infected.

In addition, it’s important to avoid smoking and manage stress, as these can worsen symptoms of neuropathy. Finally, people with diabetes should pay attention to any changes in sensation, such as numbness and tingling, as this may be an early sign of diabetic neuropathy.

People Also Ask

What Is the Best Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy?

The best treatment for diabetic neuropathy is a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes can include controlling diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Medications used to treat diabetic neuropathy include pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical medications.

Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Reversed?

Diabetic neuropathy can sometimes be reversed with lifestyle changes and medications, but it can also progress and become permanent. It’s important to take steps to control diabetes and manage neuropathy symptoms to prevent further damage.

Can Diabetic Neuropathy Cause Seizures?

Diabetic neuropathy can cause seizures in some cases. Seizures can be caused by autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves that control your internal organs and systems, such as your heart rate and digestion.