Treatment for Diabetes & Neuropathy

Treatment for Diabetes and Neuropathy

Feet are vulnerable to two effects of diabetes: circulatory problems and nerve damage.

High blood glucose causes plaque, or fatty deposits, to form on the walls of arteries. This narrows the space through which blood can flow, resulting in peripheral artery disease (PAD). It’s one reason why caring for your feet is so important if you’re living with diabetes.

The other reason is diabetic neuropathy. Researchers believe that over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar damages nerves, leading to numbness.

Peripheral Artery Disease and Neuropathy Combined

PAD and neuropathy are a double whammy when it comes to diabetes.

The heart pumps blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to our tissues, and it is a long way for it to travel to your feet. So if there’s a lack of blood flow to your feet, any injuries there will take a longer time to heal.

This increases the risk of developing an infection that causes tissue to die, which can lead to amputation of the affected foot.

Add neuropathy into the mix, and you might not feel it when your feet get injured. So it is easy to see why it is critical to check them daily for scrapes, scratches, wounds, and discoloration.

The good news is that there is a way to stimulate blood flow, slow the progression of neuropathy, and promote the body’s natural healing: with Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy.

And with Smart ABI, you can catch and treat PAD early.

Smart ABI for People Living With Diabetes

Smart Ankle Brachial Index (or Smart ABI) lets your doctor check for PAD. An early diagnosis means you get the treatment you need sooner, which dramatically reduces the likelihood of invasive surgery or amputation.

Smart ABI is quick and easy. It involves wearing a cuff that measures your blood pressure and your ankle-brachial index, the ratio of the blood pressure at your ankle to the blood pressure in your upper arm.

The device uses Bluetooth technology to send the results to a tablet right away, so you don’t have to come back for another appointment.

Help for All Your Diabetic Foot Care Needs!

Get the most accurate results from a specialist. Dr. John DePalma at Burlington County Foot & Ankle Associates is an expert in utilizing Smart ABI to test for PAD, and MLS laser therapy to treat diabetic wounds. 

Never wait if you have a diabetic wound or catch another abnormality on your feet when you have diabetes. Book an appointment with us today by filling out our online form or calling us at (609) 714-0052.