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Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment in Northwest Indiana services offered in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso and Merrillville, IN

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects up to 50% of people with diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can injure nerves throughout the body, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

At Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care, our pain specialists provide personalized, minimally invasive treatments to manage diabetic neuropathy and improve quality of life. With offices in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster and Valparaiso, Indiana, our specialists use cutting-edge therapies to target the source of your pain safely and effectively.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Diabetic Neuropathy Q & A

If I have diabetes, will I develop diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Persistent high blood sugar can damage nerves and impair their function.

However, not everyone with diabetes develops neuropathy. Proper blood sugar management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventive care can significantly reduce your risk of developing nerve damage.

What are the types of diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy can affect different parts of the body, and the type of neuropathy often determines the symptoms. We treat several types, including:

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves in the hands, feet, and extremities. Common symptoms include:

  • Tingling or burning sensations
  • Numbness
  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • Muscle cramps or weakness

This is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder function.

Symptoms may include dizziness, digestive issues, or changes in heart rate.

Proximal neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy affects the hips, thighs, and lower back. This type often causes musculoskeletal discomfort, including severe thigh or hip pain, and can affect mobility.

Focal (mononeuropathy) neuropathy

Mononeuropathy involves damage to a single nerve, often in the face, chest, or legs. Symptoms depend on which nerve is affected but can include sudden pain, weakness, or loss of function in the area.

All types of diabetic neuropathy present similar sensations of pain, numbness, and tingling.

How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a comprehensive medical review and physical exam, including:

  • Testing tendon reflexes
  • Assessing sensitivity to touch, temperature, and vibration

Specialized tests may also be performed:

  • Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles to assess nerve function.
  • Nerve conduction studies: Evaluate how well nerves and muscles transmit electrical signals. Slower-than-normal results indicate nerve damage.

Your provider uses these results to develop a personalized treatment plan.

How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but treatment can slow progression, relieve pain, and reduce complications. Our providers typically recommend a multimodal approach combining lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive interventions when needed.

Lifestyle management

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients
  • Regular exercise and weight management
  • Strict blood sugar control to prevent further nerve damage

Medications

Prescription medications may help relieve neuropathic symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or muscle cramps. Common categories include:

  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Certain antidepressants

Advanced pain management options

For persistent or severe nerve pain, minimally invasive treatments can help:

  • Nerve blocks for immediate relief
  • Radiofrequency ablation to reduce chronic nerve pain signals
  • Other interventional pain therapies personalized for each patient

Early intervention is critical for preventing further nerve damage and maintaining mobility.

Get Relief from Diabetic Neuropathy

If you experience tingling, numbness, or nerve pain related to diabetes, CPC offers comprehensive evaluation and advanced pain management to help you live more comfortably.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today for personalized diabetic neuropathy care.