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Diabetic neuropathy

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Nerve damage - diabetic

Treatment:

The goals of treating diabetic neuropathy are to prevent progression and reduce the symptoms of the disease. Tight control of glucose is important to prevent progression. To reduce the symptoms, topical treatment with Capsaicin or oral medication like amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine have been used successfully. Analgesics (pain medications) may work for some patients on a short-term basis. But, in most cases, they usually do not provide much benefit.

Regular foot exams are important to identify small infections and prevent progression. If foot injuries go unnoticed for too long, amputation may be required.

Expectations (prognosis):

It is not clear how diabetic neuropathy develops. At present, treatment relieves pain and can control some symptoms, but the process is generally continues to get worse.

Complications:

There is an increased risk of injury to the feet because of loss of sensation. Small infections can progress to ulceration (skin and soft tissue breakdown) and require amputation. In addition, motor nerve damage can lead to muscle breakdown and imbalance.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy develop.

References:

Vinik AI. Diabetic neuropathies. Med Clin North Am . 2004; 88(4): 947-99.

• Review Date: 5/12/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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