 |
MedLink Neurology is
an interactive service for up-to-date information on clinical neurology. MedLink
Neurology provides immediate access to an exclusive collection of more than
1000 in-depth, yet concise, clinical summaries on neurologic disorders and
related topics. Written and kept up-to-date by experts, the clinical summaries
contain links to thousands of abstracts and hundreds of informative videos and
other illustrations in the MedLink library.
|
Diabetic Neuropathy
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a peripheral nerve disorder
caused by diabetes. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are often slight at
first. In fact, some mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. Numbness,
pain, or tingling in the feet, or legs may, after several years, lead to weakness
in the muscles of the feet. Occasionally, diabetic neuropathy can flare up suddenly
and affect specific nerves so that an affected individual will develop double
vision or drooping eyelids, or weakness and atrophy of the thigh muscles. Nerve
damage caused by diabetes generally occurs over a period of years and may lead
to problems with the digestive tract and sexual organs, which can cause indigestion,
diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, bladder infections, and impotence. The
loss of sensation in the feet may increase the possibility for foot injuries
to go unnoticed and develop into ulcers or lesions that become infected.
Is there any treatment?
The goal of treatment for diabetic neuropathy is to
relieve discomfort and prevent further tissue damage. The first step is to bring
blood sugar levels under control by diet and medication. Another important part
of treatment involves taking special care of the feet. Analgesics, low doses
of antidepressants, and some anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed for
relief of pain, burning, or tingling. Some patients may find that walking regularly,
taking warm baths, or using elastic stockings may help relieve leg pain.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for diabetic neuropathy depends largely
on how well the underlying condition of diabetes is handled. Treating diabetes
may halt progression and improve symptoms of the neuropathy, but recovery is
slow. The painful sensations of diabetic neuropathy may become severe enough
to cause depression in some patients.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on diabetic
neuropathy aimed at increasing understanding of the disorder and finding ways
to prevent and cure it. New medications are currently being examined to assess
improvement or stabilization of neuropathic symptoms.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
ACPA@pacbell.net
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: 916-632-0922, 800-533-3231
Fax: 916-632-3208
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
customerservice@diabetes.org
http://www.diabetes.org
Tel: 800-DIABETES (342-2383) 703-549-1500
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association (NCPOA)
P.O. Box 274
Millboro, VA 24460
ncpoa@cfw.com
http://www.chronicpain.org
Tel: 540-862-9437
Fax: 540-862-9485
National Institute of Dental
and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
45 Center Dr, Rm. 4AS19 MSC 6400
Bethesda, MD 20892-6400
nidrinfo@od31.nidr.nih.gov
http://www.nidr.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-4261
National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Institutes of Health,DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 9A06 MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-3583
Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation, International
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005-4001
info@jdrf.org
http://www.jdrf.org
Tel: 800-533-CURE (-2873)
Fax: 212-795-9595
This information was developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health.
Office of Communications and
Public Liaison, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National
Institutes of Health. NINDS Diabetic Neuropathy Information Page. Available
at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/diabetic_doc.htm.
Last accessed October 8, 2004.
The information in this document is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for personalized professional advice. Although the information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, MedLink Corporation, its representatives, and the providers of the information do not guarantee its accuracy and disclaim responsibility for adverse consequences resulting from its use. For further information, consult a physician and the organization referred to herein.