Diabetes can be fatal when it lacks proper management. People suffer from different conditions when unmanaged diabetes, including amputation, diabetic wounds, and the most common diabetic neuropathy. These complications occur when your blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Although the levels are manageable, prolonged complications may lead to serious problems. However, an Adrian diabetic neuropathy specialist can help in managing and protecting you from nerve damage that may be irreversible. They will diagnose your problem and formulate a treatment plan that suits your needs. You do not have to wait till you become amputated due to nerve damage. Here are some facts about diabetic neuropathy you must know.
Nerve Damage Is Common for Diabetic People
When the sugar levels are not well controlled, you may experience different complications. The major one is nerve damage which is common in about half of the people with diabetes. The high glucose levels in the blood play a role in damaging the nerves. It destroys the walls of the small blood vessels, affecting the nerves surrounding the area.
Symptoms Develop Slowly
Diabetic patients may not realize they are experiencing nerve damage since the symptoms develop gradually without noticing until the nerves are already damaged. They experience symptoms that come and go, including burning sensation on the fingertips or toes, pain, and loss of feeling on the feet. Other severe symptoms include difficulties having an erection and abnormal sweating.
Certain Behaviors Cause Nerve Damage
Diabetic patients may accelerate their likelihood of developing nerve damage if they are unable to control their glucose levels or when they continue smoking and also if they have unmanaged high blood pressure. These conditions may trigger the chances of nerve damage. Excessive alcohol drinking and being obese may also contribute to nerve damage. You must observe your lifestyle to avoid these complications.
AN Exam Helps Identify Neuropathy
You may not realize you have neuropathy unless you visit a specialist. They will inquire about your symptoms and conduct a general examination to help identify your problem. Your doctor may pinprick your feet to test your sensitivity and check your temperatures to confirm whether your body is responding as it should. If your nerves are damaged, your reflexes become weak and unresponsive, making the doctor conclude your state.
Foot Care Can Help Control Complications
When neuropathy strikes, the feet lose feeling, leaving them vulnerable to injuries. If you get an injury, you may not realize it since there is no pain. When left untreated, the injuries may cause infection, which may force you to have an amputation. Therefore, checking our feet every day is advisable to ensure no complications or injuries. When you notice numbness or dry spot, seek immediate medical attention to help prevent the problem.
Diabetes is a common disease, but it is manageable when detected early. Patients with diabetes have lived longer due to following the doctor’s advice and accepting their condition. If you have diabetes and are experiencing nerve symptoms, you are the best candidate for a neuropathy checkup. At Michigan Pain Specialists, the team cares about your health and will do everything to ensure you remain healthy and functional. You can begin by scheduling an online consultation or calling their office today.
