Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy and can lead to serious complications in those with diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy means damage of nerve fibres in people with diabetes. The process by which the nerves are damaged is not entirely clear but it is probably related to high blood glucose changes that affect the metabolism of nerve cells.

There are three types of diabetic peripheral neuropathy:

• sensory (loose the ability to detect sensations such as heat, cold, pain)
• motor (loss of strength to control movement)
• autonomic (regulate functions such as heart rate and digestion)
  

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can result in two types of problems:

• there can be a loss of ability to feel pain and other sensations - this puts the foot at risk of being damaged and not knowing about it
• there can be symptoms of pain and burning leading to discomfort (painful neuropathy).

Treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy:

The most important aspect for the management of diabetic neuropathy is good blood glucose control. Several studies have shown how important that this is. Some drugs are showing promise as being helpful at slowing the progress of the neuropathy. Local applications of Opsite dressings and capsaicin have been shown to help some people.

Protection of the foot and preventative foot care are so important, as damage can occur undetected.