Diabetic neuropathy: Dr. Jaideep Bansal, Sr. Consultant Neurologist Early detection & treatment prevent the progression of the disease: Tips for foot care Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and represents the most common cause of neuropathies. It is possible to prevent and delay the progression of diabetic neuropathy by taking simple measures like adequate blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle, in addition to medicines for improving the disease symptoms. Though high blood sugar is the main cause for Diabetic neuropathy, the exact mechanisms whereby it causes nerve damage are unknown. But most likely it is because of combination of metabolic and microcirculatory factors. The absence of clinical manifestations does not indicate absence of disease. Types of diabetic neuropathies Symmetric Asymmetric -Diabetic polyneuropathy -Radiculoplexoneuropathies -painful autonomic neuropathy -Mononeuropathies -painful distal neuropathy with weight loss -Median neuropathy / Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (“diabetic cachexia”) -Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow -Insulin neuritis -Peroneal neuropathy at the fibular head -Polyneuropathy after ketoacidosis -Cranial neuropathy -Polyneuropathy with glucose impairment -Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with diabetic mellitus The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. Patients complain of numbness, tingling, pricking or a burning sensation that begins in the feet and extends proximally and later involve hands also. The presence of symmetrical distal polyneuropathy should be investigated in all patients of diabetes. The neurological examination is very important; therefore it should be performed at least once a year. Despite the importance of an early diagnosis, diabetic neuropathy is usually ignored by the patients till it is advanced to a significant extant. Nerve conduction studies are useful to confirm the diagnosis. Diabetic neuropathy involves high morbidity and mortality rates, especially due to foot ulcer that predisposes for the development of gangrene and eventually to amputation. Diabetes is responsible for 50%-75% of non- traumatic amputation. Tips for self foot care in diabetic neuropathic patients:- 1. Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. 2. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. 3. Moisturize your skin by applying lotions, but not between the toes. 4. If you find any anomalies (blisters, wounds, etc.) seek medical attention immediately. 5. Keep your feet warm and dry by wearing comfortable shoes and by wearing well-padded socks. 6. Look inside your shoes every day for any sharp object. 7. Avoid exposing feet to heat sources like hot water bottles. 8. Do not walk barefoot. The presence of symmetrical distal polyneuropathy should be investigated in all patients at the time of diagnosed of diabetes, and then on a yearly basis. Simple measures like adequate blood sugar control, a healthy lifestyle and self foot care, in addition to medicines are very important for diabetic patients with neuropathy. Early detection in conjunction, with adequate treatment, prevent the progression of the disease, which, if not detected and treated in time, can cause severe and disabling consequences to the patient. Dr Jaideep Bansal, Sr. Consultant Neurologist. +91 931 26 23 639 (10:00 am To 9:00 pm) Consultation Timing :6:00 pm to 9:00 pm more news & current information indiatalks.org/ https://facebook/indiatalks1?ref=ts&fref=ts https://facebook/groups/532587210188473/?fref=ts indiatalks.org/category/e-news-hindi/ indiatalks.org/category/e-news-english/
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 06:04:04 +0000