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Diabetic neuropathy

HEALTH INFORMATION

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Improving treatment strategies for diabetic neuropathy

WHAT WE KNOW

Neuropathy is the medical term for damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Approximately 30% of neuropathies are ‘idiopathic’, meaning the cause is unknown. Diabetic neuropathy is usually as a result of serious complication from diabetes and usually damages nerves that are located in the legs and feet.

Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain or numbness in the extremities to problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. For some people, these symptoms are mild; for others, diabetic neuropathy can be painful, disabling and even fatal.

Most people with diabetic neuropathy are unaware that they have nerve damage, until it is picked up on routine screening by a doctor or when complications develop. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications. Diabetic neuropathy can be prevented, or its progress slowed, with tight blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.

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OUR LATEST RESEARCH

Restoring sensitivity in peripheral neuropathy


DR INGVARS BIRZNIEKS

The elderly and patients with diabetes are at high risk of losing sensation in their feet and currently no treatment for this condition exists. This loss of feeling leads to falls, fractures and foot ulcers, which in many cases end with amputation. We have developed a new subsensory stimulation technique which for the first time restores lost sensation.

What else is happening in Diabetic neuropathy research at NeuRA?

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Sadly, it is important you know that Bob has now passed away. It is an incredibly difficult time for Lisa and her young family. However she still wanted Bob's story shared, becaused with more medical research and awareness, one day no family will have to suffer in the same way. Will you help with a gift today so that one day, children like Stephanie, Amy and Poppy won’t lose their dad in such a horrible way? Your generous gift of: •  $50 could help our researchers work towards gaining a better understanding of the specific clinical features of the different types of dementia. •  $100 could help us improve our understanding of the progression of each type of dementia. •  $150 could help us achieve more accurate future health predictions. Or perhaps you’d like to become a regular donor, and help See it Through to a Cure by making a small monthly donation. Lisa (Bob's widow's) heartfelt comments say it all: “NeuRA’s research is not going to help us. It’s not about us. It’s about ensuring we know enough about the amazing tool we have, our brain, so that we can help ensure people in the future don’t suffer in the same way.” Every gift helps. Please, will you help NeuRA cure dementia?    
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Restoring sensitivity in peripheral neuropathy

The elderly and patients with diabetes are at high risk of losing sensation in their feet and currently no treatment for this condition exists. This loss of feeling leads to falls, fractures and foot ulcers, which in many cases end with amputation. We have developed a new subsensory stimulation technique which for the first time restores lost sensation.
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