Facts about Diabetic Neuropathy
If diabetes has been present for more than 25 years, more than half of all patients show neuropathic symptoms. The most important signs of diabetic neuropathy are sensory disturbances, motor impairments (paralysis), and, above all, pain. The legs are most commonly affected, and sensitivity in the soles of the feet decreases.
One of the causes of diabetic neuropathy is the accumulation of water-binding metabolic by-products in the connective tissue of the nerves (osmotically active metabolites such as sorbitol). As a result, a slowly progressing chronic swelling develops, leading to internal compression of the nerve fibers and triggering the symptoms described above.
Studies have clearly shown that targeted (micro)surgical decompression (pressure relief) of the affected nerves can both improve nerve function (sensitivity and motor control) and reduce pain. The well-known issue of poor wound healing in diabetic patients can be counteracted by longer immobilization and the administration of antibiotics.
The costs of the procedure are, of course, covered by health insurance, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
