Diabetic Neuropathy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition caused by diabetes that is not controlled. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage nerves and cause decreased feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet. It may also affect your eyes, heart, digestive system, or sexual organs. You are more likely to have nerve problems the longer you have diabetes.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Insulin: This medicine may be given to decrease the amount of sugar in your blood. It helps your body move the sugar to your cells, where it is needed for energy.
  
  
• Hypoglycemic medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease the amount of sugar in your blood. Hypoglycemic medicine helps your body move the sugar to your cells, where it is needed for energy.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
  
  
• Motility medicine: This medicine is given to help your stomach muscles move food and liquids out of your stomach faster. This medicine also may help you digest food better.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or diabetes specialist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Blood sugar control:

Keep your blood sugar level steady. Ask your diabetes specialist or primary healthcare provider how often you should have an A1c test. The test shows your average amount of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. Ask when and how often to check your blood sugar level. You may need to check at least 3 times each day.

Foot care:

Diabetic neuropathy can make it hard to feel problems with your feet. Do the following to help prevent injuries and problems with your feet:

• Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Wear socks that do not bunch or crease in your shoes.
  
  
• Check and carefully wash and dry your feet each day.
  
  
• Soak your feet in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before you cut your nails. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. You may also use a nail file. Do not cut your nails into the corners or close to the skin. Do not dig under or around the nail.

Nutrition:

A dietitian will help you make a meal plan to keep your blood sugar level steady.

• Keep track of carbohydrates: Your blood sugar level can get too high if you eat too many carbohydrates in 1 meal or snack.
  
  
• Eat low-fat foods: Choose foods that are low in fat. Some examples are skinless chicken and low-fat milk.
  
  
• Eat less sodium: Limit foods that are high in sodium (salt), such as soy sauce, potato chips, and soup. Do not add salt to food you cook. Limit your use of table salt.
  
  
• Eat high-fiber foods: Foods that are a good source of fiber include vegetables, whole-grain breads, and beans.

Limit alcohol:

Alcohol affects your blood sugar levels and can make it harder to manage your diabetes. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

Exercise:

Exercise can keep your blood sugar level steady, decrease your risk of heart disease, and help you lose weight. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week. Work with your primary healthcare provider to plan the best exercise program for you. If your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL, have a carbohydrate snack before exercise. Examples are 4 to 6 crackers, ½ banana, 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk, or 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice. Do not exercise if your blood sugar level is high and you have ketones in your urine or blood.

Quit smoking:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking can worsen the problems that can occur with diabetes. Ask your primary healthcare provider for information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Medical alert identification:

Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have diabetes. Ask your primary healthcare provider or diabetes specialist where to get these items.

For more information:

• American Diabetes Association
  1701 North Beauregard Street
  Alexandria , VA 22311
  Phone: 1- 800 - 342-2383
  Web Address: http://www.diabetes.org
  

Contact your diabetes specialist or primary healthcare provider if:

• Your signs or symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• You have redness, calluses, or sores on your feet.
  
  
• You have a wound that does not heal or is red, swollen, or draining fluid.
  
  
• You have diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
  
  
• You have new sexual problems.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your legs or feet turn blue or black.
  
  
• You have pain, pressure, or fullness in your chest that lasts longer than a few minutes or returns.
  
  
• You have pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm.
  
  
• You have an upset stomach.
  
  
• You have a sudden cold sweat.

Learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy (Aftercare Instructions)