Diabetes

The symptoms and signs of diabetic neuropathy depend on the type of neuropathy present with varying severity.  1. Peripheral neuropathy  This presents with numbness or tingling, pain or burning sensations, loss of sensation in the feet or lower legs and sometimes in the hands or arms. This affects the peripheral nerves, most commonly the nerves of the feet and legs.  2. Proximal neuropathy  This presents with one-sided pain in the hips, weakness in the thigh muscles, weight…

The treatment is based on the types of diabetic neuropathy  1. Peripheral neuropathy treatment Manage pain with standard analgesics Maintain HbA1c below 7% Avoid tobacco and narcotics Localised pain can be managed with topical capsaicin, antidepressants (duloxetine, amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, venlafaxine), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, gabapentin, phenytoin), or antiarrhythmic drug mexilitine (oral lidocaine). 2. Proximal neuropathy treatment Manage joint pain with…

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy. 1. Peripheral neuropathy  This presents with numbness or tingling, pain or burning sensations, loss of sensation in the feet or lower legs and sometimes in the hands or arms. This is the most common type of neuropathy that affects the peripheral nerves, most commonly the nerves of the feet and legs.  2. Proximal neuropathy  This presents with one-sided pain in the hips, weakness in the thigh muscles, weight loss, difficulty getting up…

Are you at risk? The following are the risk factors for Diabetic Neuropathy: Persistent hyperglycemia, HbA1c >8%, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and duration of diabetes 

Prevention of Diabetes Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but onset of Type 2 diabetes in most cases may be prevented by watching your diet, managing your weight and changing your lifestyle. At the very least the progression of Type 2 diabetes can be managed. Regular screening for diabetes plays a very important role. Undergoing routine screenings for diabetes, especially if there is a family history of Type 1 / Type 2 diabetes or presence of risk factors can help detect the condition at an…

Managing blood sugars effectively is really important in reducing your risk of future diabetes complications. Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious complications. Complications of diabetes: Acute complications require immediate medical attention. Hypoglycemia: Occurs when blood sugar levels drop to dangerously low levels, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. Hyperglycemia: Prolonged high blood sugar levels…

There are number of treatments available to treat diabetes. Treatments are individualized based on factors such as age, overall health, and presence of other medical conditions. Image 1 - Type 1 vs Type 2 diabetes: Pancreas does not produce adequate insulin (Type 1 diabetes), or the body unable to use insulin appropriately (Type 2 diabetes) which results in impaired glucose metabolism For Type 1 diabetes, insulin injection is prescribed whereas for Type 2 diabetes, insulin or medications are…

Testing for diabetes is essential in identifying individuals with the condition or those at risk. Various tests are available to diagnose diabetes and assess blood sugar control. Here are some common tests for diabetes: Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): This is a blood test that is done first thing in the morning. You have to fast for eight hours before the test. You are allowed to drink water.  If your fasting blood glucose is 100 mg/dL - 125 mg/dL you are considered Prediabetic. If it…

There are different types and stages of diabetes Prediabetes: is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. Simply put, prediabetes puts you at risk of developing diabetes unless you change your lifestyle and bring down the amount of glucose in your blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 to 30 per cent of prediabetics develop Type 2 Diabetes within five years if they do not change their lifestyle. But just…

You could have no symptoms or you could have one or more of the following symptoms. These symptoms are common for both Type 1 Diabetes (earlier called Juvenile diabetes) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Increased thirst Frequent urination Blurred vision Extreme fatigue  Weight loss Increased hunger Irritability Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Frequent skin, bladder or gum infections Wounds that don't heal