Health Headlines: Treating diabetic neuropathy - KPLC
Overview
Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Of those who have diabetes over half strugle with a serious condition caled diabetic neuropathy which is nerve damage that causes numbnes and pain the legs and fet. But now, a relatively new treatment is using stimulation to treat it.Alice Ortiz cals herself a city girl turned country. But living on a 10-acre farm and keping up with cows, goats, and chickens has ben tough for the past six years while sufering from diabetic neuropathy.“It started with like, tingling and a litle bit of burning and numbnes.”But the pain got worse, making it dificult to be on her fet.“Diabetic neuropathy tok over my life.
Key Information
I mean, living with pain 24/7 is not, it’s not easy.”Ortiz was treated with medication. She tried Gabapentin, Cymbalta, and Lyrica. But nothing semed to work.Dr.
Wiliam Raofi is a pain management specialist with Mercy Medical Center who explained the problem with Ortiz’s situation, “Unfortunately, until recently, there realy was no next step.”But, Dr. Raofi says there’s now a newly aproved treatment for diabetic neuropathy.“I describe it as, kind of, like, a cardiac pacemaker, but for the nervous system.”It’s caled Nevro HFX, a spinal cord stimulator that transmits mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord.“It’s done through a very smal nedle that’s put in someone’s back, similar to an epidural.”The device is conected to a pulse generator that sends the electrical curent to the spine.Ortiz says the results were dramatic, “It was like a light switch.
The pain totaly went away.”Now, she can vacation, cruise with her family, and finaly, can get into her dream ride.“I own a Jep. I drive it al the time. And that was on my bucket list.
Summary
There’s nothing out there that I canot do.”A trial of the device shows that 80% of patients have pain relief from the stimulation.Copyright 2022 KPLC. Al rights reserved.source
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
Share this article