type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) accounts for approximately 90% of diabetes cases worldwide and is characterized by insulin resistance.1 Based on 2023 data from the Center for Disease Control approximately 33.3 million Americans are living with T2DM.2

Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PDPN)

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of T2DM.2 Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) affects how neurons function, most commonly in the feet, hands, arms, and legs. It is theorized that the origin of pain in PDPN is due to high blood sugar, which dysregulates nerves and causes them to send signals to the brain that the tissue where the nerve resides is being damaged. The brain interprets this signal as pain. Symptoms are usually described as shooting, burning, aching, and feelings of numbness.3 This process damages the nerves over time, and patients may experience muscle atrophy, difficulty walking, and wound formation due to numbness.

Effects of PDPN on Mobility

Individuals with PDPN commonly experience challenges with walking and maintaining balance due to pain and numbness in their legs. Aspects of walking that are frequently impacted are speed, step length, and number of steps taken per minute.4 Those with slower walking speed and decreased balance are at a higher risk for falls. Impaired mobility can affect how easily one can complete activities of daily living, such as caring for themselves and their home, and their ability to participate in recreation and other enjoyable activities.

Physical Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy in Saratoga & Queensbury

Physical therapy for diabetic neuropathy typically focuses on strengthening, stretching, balance, aerobic activity, and gait training.5 These areas of focus can help individuals with diabetic neuropathy regain mobility, decrease fall risk, and enhance their quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing diabetic neuropathy, Capital Area Physical Therapy can help. Call (518) 289-5242 to make an appointment with our physical therapists in Malta, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs and Delmar.

 

References

  1. International Diabetes Federation. Facts & figures. International Diabetes Federation. Published 2023. https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/
  2. CDC. Type 2 diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published April 18, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
  1. Abdissa D. Prevalence and associated factors of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients on follow up at Jimma University Medical Center. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders. Published online October 15, 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-020-00661-7
  2. Tsai YJ, Yang YC, Lu FH, et al. Functional balance and its determinants in older people with diabetes. PLoS One. 2016; 11(7). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965190/

Diabetic Neuropathy. Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Diabetic_Neuropathy