Points to Remember

• Diabetic neuropathies are nerve disorders caused by many of the abnormalities common to diabetes,such as high blood glucose.
• Neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body,causing numbness and sometimes pain in the hands,arms,feet, or legs,and problems with the digestive tract,heart,sex organs,and other body systems.
• Treatment first involves bringing blood glucose levels within the normal range.Good blood glucose control may help prevent or delay the onset of further problems.
• Foot care is an important part of treatment.People with neuropathy need to inspect their feet daily for any injuries.Untreated injuries increase the risk of infected the risk of infected foot sores and amputation.
• Treatment also includes pain relief and other medications as needed,depending on the type of nerve damage.
• Smoking signigicantly increases the risk of foot problems and amputation.If you smoke,ask your health care provider for help with quitting.