What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs due to high blood sugar levels over time. It’s one of the most common complications of diabetes and primarily affects nerves in the legs, feet, and hands, although it can impact other areas too.
At Dr. Anurag Lamba’s Neurology Clinic in Panchkula, we treat diabetic neuropathy with a combination of medications, nerve care, and lifestyle strategies to reduce pain and prevent complications.
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?
Prolonged high blood sugar damages the walls of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this leads to:
- Slower nerve signals
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
- Reduced nerve function or nerve death
Other contributing factors include:
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (especially in long-term diabetics on metformin)
💡 Related Read: Understand more in How Vitamin Deficiencies Impact Neurological Health
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
1. Peripheral Neuropathy (most common)
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in feet and legs
- Often worse at night
- Can spread to hands and arms
2. Autonomic Neuropathy
- Affects nerves that control organs like the heart, stomach, and bladder
- May cause constipation, dizziness, or bladder problems
3. Proximal Neuropathy
- Sudden pain in thighs or hips
- Muscle weakness, often on one side
4. Focal Neuropathy
- Sudden weakness in one nerve, often in the face or eyes
- May cause double vision or Bell’s palsy-like symptoms
Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
- Loss of sensation (risk of unnoticed injuries)
- Changes in skin temperature or sweating patterns
💡 Related Read: Also see Panchkula Patient’s Guide to Checking Neurological Symptoms for early signs of nerve issues.
How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed?
At our clinic, Dr. Lamba uses a detailed approach including:
- Physical and neurological exam
- Monofilament and vibration tests for sensory loss
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- Blood tests for vitamin levels and blood sugar control
Accurate diagnosis helps in tailoring treatment to nerve type and severity.
Management: Can It Be Treated?
While nerve damage can’t always be reversed, symptom relief and slowing progression is very much possible.
1. Blood Sugar Control
The cornerstone of treatment. Keeping HbA1c below 7% can prevent further nerve damage.
2. Pain Management
- Medications like pregabalin, gabapentin, or duloxetine
- Topical pain relievers (capsaicin or lidocaine patches)
- Avoid overuse of painkillers like NSAIDs, which may affect kidneys
3. Foot Care
- Daily inspection for wounds or blisters
- Wearing cushioned, well-fitting shoes
- Never walking barefoot
4. Nerve Support Supplements
- Vitamin B12, B6, folic acid
- Alpha-lipoic acid for nerve regeneration
💡 Related Read: Get a broader view in Best Neurologist in Panchkula: Key Services & Expertise
Advanced Options
For patients with severe or treatment-resistant pain, options include:
- Nerve blocks
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Referral to pain clinics
- Counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (for emotional impact)
When Should You See a Neurologist?
Visit a neurologist if:
- You feel frequent tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet or hands
- You’ve had injuries or infections in your feet without noticing
- You have diabetes and feel balance issues or unexplained pain
- Over-the-counter treatments are no longer helping
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Nerve Damage to Worsen
Diabetic neuropathy is common, but not harmless. It needs timely neurological care to prevent disability, chronic pain, or foot ulcers.
At Dr. Anurag Lamba’s Clinic in Panchkula, we offer:
✔ Expert nerve evaluation
✔ Tailored pain and lifestyle plans
✔ Regular follow-up for diabetes-related neurological health
📍 Clinic Location: Panchkula, Haryana
📞 Call Us: +91 9780355355
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FAQ: Diabetic Neuropathy
1. Can diabetic neuropathy be cured?
No, but it can be managed. Early treatment slows progression and reduces symptoms.
2. Is numbness in feet serious?
Yes. It increases risk of ulcers, infections, and falls. Get it evaluated.
3. Do supplements help with nerve pain?
Yes. B vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid may support nerve repair and pain relief.
4. Is diabetic neuropathy only in older people?
No. It can occur at any age if blood sugar remains uncontrolled for long.
