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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

You may have ulcers on your feet and not notice them. These foot ulcers may become infected and need surgery. Diabetic neuropathy makes it hard for your heart to cope with exercise and for your body to control your temperature. Damaged nerves may prevent you from recognizing that your blood sugar level is too low. The normal warning signs, such as cold sweating and rapid heartbeat, may not occur. High blood pressure and heart disease are common with diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy can also cause problems with vision, digestion, urination, and sexual function.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Tests:

You may need 1 or more of the following:

• Heart monitor: This test is also called an EKG or ECG. Sticky pads are placed on your skin to record your heart's electrical activity. An EKG gives information about how your heart is working. Lie as still as possible during the test.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Electromyography: This is also called an EMG. An EMG is done to test the function of your muscles and the nerves that control them. Electrodes (wires) are placed on the area of muscle being tested. Needles that enter your skin may be attached to the electrodes. The electrical activity of your muscles and nerves is measured by a machine attached to the electrodes. Your muscles are tested at rest and with activity.
  
  
• Radioisotope gastric-emptying scan: A special x-ray machine uses a special camera to take pictures of your stomach. You are given food to eat that has a small, safe amount of radioactive material in it before taking the pictures. Caregivers then watch the pictures to see how quickly the food leaves your stomach. People who are allergic to shellfish (crab, lobster, or shrimp) may be allergic to the material. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any of these foods.
  
  
• Urine tests: A flow rate recording may be done to measure the speed of your urine stream. A catheter may be used to measure how much urine is left in your bladder after you finish urinating.

Treatment:

Nutrition changes can decrease problems such as vomiting and constipation. Wounds or injuries that are not healing or are infected may need to be treated with surgery or by other methods. You may be given medicines to ease pain or to treat problems such as erectile dysfunction and gastroparesis. You may need these or other 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.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy (Inpatient Care)