Diabetic Neuropathy

To start, a healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your medical history and diabetes management. They’ll ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Tests that help confirm a diabetes-related neuropathy diagnosis include:

Diabetes foot exam: Your provider will visually assess your feet for any injuries or issues. They’ll then touch your toes and feet with various tools to check if you have numbness. This exam helps diagnose peripheral neuropathy.
NCS (nerve conduction studies): This test checks how fast electrical signals move through your peripheral nerves in different parts of your body. It helps diagnose peripheral and proximal neuropathies.
EMG (electromyography): This test evaluates the health and function of your skeletal muscles and the nerves that control them. It helps diagnose peripheral and proximal neuropathies.

Tests to diagnose autonomic neuropathy vary depending on which body system is affected. For example, an ultrasound can show how well your bladder empties when you pee. Tests like gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) can help diagnose digestive system issues.

It may take more time to get an autonomic neuropathy diagnosis, as many other conditions can cause the same symptoms.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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