Diabetic Neuropathy – Insulinic of Florida

Insulin Resistance Reversal Treatment (IRRT) at Insulinic of Florida

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. Different types of nerve damage cause different symptoms. Symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your feet to problems with the functions of your internal organs, such as your heart and bladder. At Insulinic of Florida, our medical professionals will provide diagnostic testing to help provide a treatment plan designed to manage your diabetic neuropathy.

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. You might be afraid you’ll lose a toe, foot, or leg to diabetes, or know someone who has, but you can lower your chances of having diabetes-related foot problems by taking care of your feet every day. Managing your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, can also help keep your feet healthy.

How can diabetes affect my feet?

Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel if you have something in your shoe or have stepped on something which can lead to injuries. Diabetes slows the healing process so, this can lead to greater problems because cuts and sores can become infected and require wound care.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Your feet and legs are often affected first, followed by your hands and arms. Possible signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes, especially in your feet and toes
A tingling or burning feeling
Sharp, jabbing pain that may be worse at night
Extreme sensitivity to touch — for some people even the weight of a sheet can be painful
Muscle weakness
Loss of reflex response
Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, deformities, and bone and joint damage

What can I do to keep my feet healthy?

Work with the Insulinic of Florida health care team to make a diabetes self-care plan, which is an action plan for how you will manage your diabetes.

Tips to Take Care of Your Feet

Check your feet every day.
Wash your feet every day.
Smooth corns and calluses gently.
Trim your toenails straight across.
Wear shoes and socks at all times.
Protect your feet from hot and cold.
Keep the blood flowing to your feet.

Look for Diabetic Neuropathy indicators such as:

Cuts, sores, or red spots
Swelling or fluid-filled blisters
Ingrown toenails, in which the edge of your nail grows into your skin
Corns or calluses
Plantar warts, which are flesh-colored growths on the bottom of the feet
Athletes Foot
Warm spots

Did You Know that:

Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy.
Half of all people with diabetes will develop neuropathy.
The nerves of the feet are most commonly affected by diabetic neuropathy.
The feet are usually numb, although many people also experience significant discomfort and pain.
Most people with diabetic neuropathy are unaware that they have nerve damage, until it is picked up on routine screening by their doctor or when they develop complications.
Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications.