By Beverleigh H Piepers
The term "diabetic neuropathy" serves as a name used to describe a group of nerve disorders caused by Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, around sixty to seventy percent of people with Type 2 diabetes end up having some forms of diabetic neuropathy. This problem can develop anytime in a diabetic... no one is really sure yet why high blood sugar levels lead to nerve problems. But the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is they will develop neuropathy.
What are the risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathy?
1. Number of years having diabetes: People who have diabetes for more than twenty-five years are at a higher risk for diabetic neuropathy.
2. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels: Uncontrolled blood sugar level causes faster development of peripheral neuropathy.
3. High cholesterol level.
4. Overweight and obesity.
In most cases, people who complain about nerve pains are those having the peripheral type of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, involving the hands and/or feet, is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. When you have this condition, you:
* lose the sensation of light touch
* often experience tingling and burning
* experience loss of balance
* worsening of the symptoms at night
* pain
Damage to your feet may occur because you simply do not feel it happening. Infection may set in which could even lead to amputation.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy usually visit their doctor because they can no longer tolerate the discomfort they have at night.
How do you ease the discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy?
1. Topical treatment: Treatments may be applied to the skin to ease the pain and discomfort. The most common examples of topical treatment are capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches. Other possible topical treatments currently being investigated include nitrate sprays, alpha lipoic acid and primrose oil.
2. Oral medications: Most doctors treat neuropathy through the use of oral medications. The most common examples include:
* anticonvulsants - the most common anticonvulsants used are pregabalin, gabapentin and carbamazepine
* tricyclic antidepressants - may include imipramine, amitriptyline and desipramine
* opiods and opiod-like medications such as oxycodone and tramadol
* vitamin B 12 - according to a study published by Acta Neurologica Taiwanica in June 2005, vitamin B 12 may also be an effective medication for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. However, a larger scale study is still needed to establish this fact.
Home treatments such as warm compress are usually discouraged since this action may burn the skin. Type 2 diabetics should seek the advice of their doctor before commencing any treatment offering them relief from any pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
The term "diabetic neuropathy" serves as a name used to describe a group of nerve disorders caused by Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, around sixty to seventy percent of people with Type 2 diabetes end up having some forms of diabetic neuropathy. This problem can develop anytime in a diabetic... no one is really sure yet why high blood sugar levels lead to nerve problems. But the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is they will develop neuropathy.
What are the risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathy?
1. Number of years having diabetes: People who have diabetes for more than twenty-five years are at a higher risk for diabetic neuropathy.
2. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels: Uncontrolled blood sugar level causes faster development of peripheral neuropathy.
3. High cholesterol level.
4. Overweight and obesity.
In most cases, people who complain about nerve pains are those having the peripheral type of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, involving the hands and/or feet, is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. When you have this condition, you:
* lose the sensation of light touch
* often experience tingling and burning
* experience loss of balance
* worsening of the symptoms at night
* pain
Damage to your feet may occur because you simply do not feel it happening. Infection may set in which could even lead to amputation.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy usually visit their doctor because they can no longer tolerate the discomfort they have at night.
How do you ease the discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy?
1. Topical treatment: Treatments may be applied to the skin to ease the pain and discomfort. The most common examples of topical treatment are capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches. Other possible topical treatments currently being investigated include nitrate sprays, alpha lipoic acid and primrose oil.
2. Oral medications: Most doctors treat neuropathy through the use of oral medications. The most common examples include:
* anticonvulsants - the most common anticonvulsants used are pregabalin, gabapentin and carbamazepine
* tricyclic antidepressants - may include imipramine, amitriptyline and desipramine
* opiods and opiod-like medications such as oxycodone and tramadol
* vitamin B 12 - according to a study published by Acta Neurologica Taiwanica in June 2005, vitamin B 12 may also be an effective medication for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. However, a larger scale study is still needed to establish this fact.
Home treatments such as warm compress are usually discouraged since this action may burn the skin. Type 2 diabetics should seek the advice of their doctor before commencing any treatment offering them relief from any pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
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