When identified early, Diabetic Neuropathy can often be handled before more serious conditions occur. Our Clinicians at Prestige Healthcare always look to conservative treatment first, and only suggest surgery when absolutely necessary.

To learn what neuropathy treatment options are available to you, please contact us on 020 8364 8800 or fill out the contact form below. For more information about diabetic neuropathy causes, symptoms & treatment options, read below.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. Approximately two- thirds of all diabetics will experience neuropathy to some degree. 

What Are the Causes of Neuropathy?

There are several theories as to why neuropathy develops, including the possibilities that high blood glucose or constricted blood vessels result in damage to the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy is more common in patients with poorly managed diabetes, but can also occur in those who have excellent blood sugar control.

There are three types of nerves that can be affected by neuropathy:

• Sensory nerves: allow people to feel sensations like pain or temperature
• Motor nerves: control the muscles and their strength & balance functions
• Autonomic nerves: allow the body to perform certain involuntary functions such as sweating

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Numbness or tingling in the feet
• Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs
• Burning feet
• Loss of balance
• Muscle weakness
• Dry feet
• Cracked skin
• Foot deformities

As diabetic neuropathy worsens, various nerves are damaged and can cause a variety of diabetic wounds such as:

• Skin puncture (due to numbness causing patients to be unaware of object applying pressure to the skin)
• Deformities such as bunions and hammer toes.
• Skin infection or wound due toe cracked or dry skin

Prevention & Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy

It is important to look at preventing and minimizing the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.

Prevention methods include:

• Keeping blood sugar levels under control
• Wear well-fitting shoes to avoid pressure points
• Inspect your feet every day – if you notice any abnormalities, see your clinician or  physician immediately
• Visit your Clinician on a regular basis for an examination to help detect the potential for a wound before it happens

If you are diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, treatment focuses on controlling the patient’s blood sugar level. Medications are available to help relieve symptoms, while other medications and treatments are showing promise at returning some of the nerve function & sensations to previously numb areas.

If Diabetic Neuropathy is left untreated or not treated properly, it can lead to serious infection or even amputation. The Clinicians  at Prestige Healthcare always look to conservative treatment first, and only suggest surgery when absolutely necessary.