Management Of Diabetic Neuropathy And Associated Disorders

Course overview

To treat diabetic neuropathy effectively, management should begin the moment diabetes is diagnosed. All healthcare professionals should be alert for the development of peripheral neuropathy because failure or delay in diagnosis often leads to serious consequences, such as amputations and lifelong disability. The treatment of peripheral neuropathy is multidisciplinary, but the importance of a neurologist in managing these patients cannot be overemphasized. To prevent the progression of neuropathy, tight and stable control of blood sugar is necessary. Since it is known that sudden swings from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia can induce and aggravate neuropathic pain, blood glucose levels must be stable. There are several medications available for management of painful diabetic neuropathy; the two most widely used types are anticonvulsants and antidepressants.