Diabetic Neuropathy Testing

Diabetic Neuropathy, also known as Diabetic Nerve Damage, is a type of nerve damage that co-occurs with diabetes. Elevated levels of glucose, or blood sugar, can damage the nerves throughout your body including the extremities like your feet and legs.

It is very important to get diagnosed, tested and treated in order to minimize the effects of the disease.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy. It usually displays in the feet and legs first then hands and arms. Its symptoms are often worse at night and include:

• Numbness and decreased sensation
• Burning and/or tingling
• Stabbing pains
• Touch sensitivity
• Weakness in muscles
• Loss of reflexes, particularly in the ankle
• Diminished coordination and balance

Autonomic Neuropathy occurs in your autonomic nervous system which controls your heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sex organs and eyes. Diabetes, through the mechanism of elevated blood sugar, can affect the nerves in these organs possibly causing:

• Hypoglycemia unawareness, not realizing when your blood sugar is actually low
• Bladder issues such as urinary retention and urinary incontinence.
• Gastroparesis, slow stomach emptying, which can lead to loss of appetite, bloating and even nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Increased or decreased sweating
• Issues controlling body temperature
• Increased resting heart rate
• Sharp drops in blood pressure when moving from sitting or laying to standing position that cause you to feel lightheaded or faint
• Erectile dysfunction
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased sexual response

Testing for Diabetic Nerve Damage

The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people with diabetes get a comprehensive exam at least once a year. As part of your check up your doctor may recommend Electrodiagnostic Testing which is made up of two parts:

• Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests measure how quickly the nerves in your arms and legs conduct electrical signals. It's often used to diagnose diabetic neuropathy.
• Electromyography (EMG): is very often performed alongside nerve conduction studies. EMG measures the electrical discharges produced in your muscles.

If you need to schedule an EMG/NCS test because you have Diabetic Neuropathy you can call Precision Medical Group at 855) 364-6281 or click here use our handy contact form. If you’ve been referred to us by your doctor you will want to complete our Patient Intake form. Visit our Locations page for a detailed listing of our locations.