Diabetes - Diabetic Neuropathy

If you have diabetes you are at risk for a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

SYMPTOMS - What does it feel like?
Here is a list of the most common Diabetic Neuropathy symptoms.
Numbness, burning, tingling or decreased feeling in the hands and, very often, feet.

Many times the symptoms in the hands act much like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Most of the time, but not always, the symptoms feel more generalized than specific fingers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How can I tell if it's Carpal tunnel Syndrome or if it's Diabetic Neuropathy? The best way to find out is to be evaluated by a health care specialist. Your family physician or diabetes care doctor need to examine your condition.

The most objective way is to have, electromyography and nerve conduction studies. These testing procedures help tell if the problem you are having is localized to the carpal tunnel or more widespread as with neuropathy.

Keep this in mind - Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean that you can't also have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome like everyone else. It's also possible to have both the neuropathy and carpal tunnel at the same time.

Will it get worse and can I wait too long to get help?
Diabetic Neuropathies can be serious and you should always seek medical help. At even greater risk than a neuropathy in the hands is the neuropathy in the feet. Often the symptoms come on so slow that you don't notice the loss of feeling in the feet. This places you at great risk for seriuos foot and leg problems. Don't ignore it and keep a close eye on your feet.

How do I get it checked?
Your diabetes must be managed by you and your family and/or diabetes specialist doctor.

To see if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome versus a diabetic related neuropathy, it's a good idea to see a person who understands the details of nerve and muscle problems. Good sources for help include Hand surgeons, Neurologists and Physical Therapists who specialize in hand, foot and nerve problems.

What can I do to help?
Take good care of your diabetes and follow the recommendations of your doctors. Keep an awareness of the feeling in your hands and feet. Report it to your doctor as soon as you see a change.