Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, otherwise known as nerve pain, caused by diabetes, can have a severe impact on someone’s quality of life. This pain is often associated with tingling, numbness, and sharp pain typically in the limbs causing a burning or shooting sensation that can be quite painful and at times, debilitating for those who suffer from it.
“Diabetic neuropathy occurs when the nerves become damaged from uncontrolled high blood sugar levels in the body,” said Dr. Douglas Bez, pain management physician at McLaren Greater Lansing’s Pain Management Center. “It is the most common complaint I see with our diabetic patients.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects more than 38 million people in the United States, with one and five not knowing they have it. People who have diabetes have a high risk of several other serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and loss of limbs (such as feet, toes, or legs). However, diabetes can be managed.
“Patients who are suffering from diabetic neuropathy are typically those who had a hard time controlling their blood sugar levels creating a lot of nerve damage that is now irreversible,” said Dr. Bez. “So, we have a lot of different pain management methods we can use to help with their pain levels and symptoms.”
If over the counter (OTC) pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) do not relieve symptoms, prescription medications may be prescribed as well as prescription-strength topical treatment methods.
If the person is still suffering from extreme pain and discomfort, Dr. Bez may refer them to a new method of treatment called spinal cord stimulation (SCS) through an implantable device.
“With the SCS device, we’ve seen at least a 50 percent or more reduction in pain symptoms,” said Dr. Bez.
The first step is to have the patient do a trial where I put two wires or leads to the mid to upper back that allows the patient to feel a buzzing or tingling sensation that goes down their back buttocks, to their knees and toes confirming the patient can feel this stimulation.
To qualify for SCS, patients need to go through a surgical evaluation, psychological evaluation, a recent MRI of the lumbar spine from the past 12 months, as well as physical therapy done during the past 12 months. Once qualified, Dr. Bez will perform a trial to confirm the patient is able to feel the stimulation and that it is working for them prior to having the permanent implantation done by an orthopedic spinal surgeon.
While there are pain management options, Dr. Bez emphasizes the importance of managing your diabetes and blood glucose levels to reduce symptoms. Those who are living with diabetes should continue to have frequent conversations with their health care teams and if there are any changes in their symptoms contact their primary care provider.
To learn more about the McLaren Greater Lansing Pain Management Center, click here.
To learn more about the diabetes education program available at McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.