Can diabetic neuropathy cripple you?

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment in Samoset FL. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes. The level of sugar in the blood, also called glucose, is raised because of diabetes.

Neuropathy can be classified as a disability if a person meets certain criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA), related to symptoms that indicate disorganized motor functions or marked limitations of physical and mental functioning. Diabetic neuropathy is a specific type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. It can occur in many different areas of the body, but it usually starts in the feet. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others may experience severe, disabling pain.

In certain cases, diabetic neuropathy can result in leg amputation or death if left untreated. Peripheral neuropathy is more likely to be permanent in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and genetic conditions. Depending on the nerves affected, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include pain and numbness in the legs, feet, and hands. If the cause is an underlying condition, such as diabetes, your healthcare provider will treat it first and then treat pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.

Shockwave therapy uses sound energy waves to help improve blood flow and reduce pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes get an A1C test at least twice a year. Diabetic neuropathy first affects the tips of the longest nerves, meaning that the toes and toes are the first part of the body affected. Peripheral neuropathy can range from mild to severe and can be due to a variety of causes, such as diabetes and injuries.

And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that cause pain and neuropathic symptoms. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy and the medical problems that may occur with it. If these symptoms are prolonged and interfere with your ability to work, diabetic neuropathy may be considered a disability.