India, June 25: Diabetic neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage likely to affect diabetic patients. It impacts different nerves throughout the body, especially those in the extremities, such as the legs and feet. The common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness and pain in the hands, legs, and feet. Some patients also experience complications in the digestive system, blood vessels, urinary tract, and heart.
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
- Peripheral Neuropathy: The condition affects the feet and legs before the hands and arms.
- Mononeuropathy: This type of diabetic neuropathy affects a single nerve, often in the head, leg, hand, or torso.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: The condition affects the autonomic nervous system, resulting in bladder control, heart rate, and digestion-related complications.
- Radiculoplexus Neuropathy: There is an impact on the nerves of the legs, hips, thighs, or buttocks.
Testing for Diabetic Neuropathy
A digital biothesiometer is used for the screening of diabetic neuropathy. The diabetic neuropathy equipment measures the loss of vibration perception threshold. A higher vibration perception threshold means higher chances of ulceration for a diabetic foot.
Importance of Neuropathy Testing
All limb and foot pain doesn’t mean diabetic neuropathy. Thus, patients must go for appropriate testing to diagnose the condition early. Here are the different ways in which neuropathy testing offers benefits.
- Early Detection and Diagnosis
Routine testing for neuropathy in diabetic patients helps with early diagnosis. This allows for prompt intervention, potentially preventing progression and severe complications like amputations and foot ulcers.
- Symptom Management
Neuropathy testing helps identify the specific type of neuropathy the patient suffers from. Consequently, a treatment plan can be devised to alleviate pain and discomfort. Consistent blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle can restrict the progress of diabetic neuropathy.
- Monitoring and Tailoring Treatment Plans
Healthcare providers develop personalised treatment plans based on the type and degree of nerve damage. Regular testing helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans and make the required adjustments.
- Preventing Complications
Autonomic neuropathy, if not monitored, can lead to complications related to blood pressure, heart rate, and gastrointestinal functions. Similarly, peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot ulcers and infections. Routine testing is one of the ways to monitor the condition, implement preventive measures, and ensure the patient does not suffer from severe complications.
Summing up
Regular neuropathy testing is vital for diabetes management. It helps in early detection, development of personalised treatment plans, and prevention of severe complications. Healthcare professionals must incorporate routine neuropathy testing to improve the quality of care for diabetic patients and give them a better quality of life.
Kody Medical’s diabetic neuropathy equipment, the Biothesiometer, tracks the vibration perception threshold. Its manual control for applying vibration helps to reach the anticipated level faster. As a result, it reduces the testing time. It is portable and lightweight with an easy to use software.
Source Link: https://kodymedical.com/2024/05/21/importance-of-neuropathy-testing-in-diabetic-neuropathy-patients/
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