Diabetes
Diabetes affects over 30 million adults in the U.S. today, and more than seven million of those cases are still undiagnosed. Symptoms like increased urination, increased thirst, slow healing, foot pain, and foot numbness are signs of diabetes that demand prompt attention. Dr. Yvonne C. Ortega, MD, FACEP, the medical director at St. Luke Integrative Medicine, specializes in neuropathy diagnosis and treatment. She’s ready to help diabetic neuropathy sufferers put their pain behind them. Contact the office via the online portal or by phone to make an appointment now.
Diabetes Q & A
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed when you're a child. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body can't make insulin, so you must replace it with injections or a pump. This kind of diabetes isn't preventable. However, painful and difficult problems like diabetic neuropathy are quite treatable.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common kind of diabetes, making up 90-95% of all cases of diabetes. It's typically diagnosed in adults. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin. However, you aren’t able to use the insulin correctly, and this means you can't process glucose properly.
You can prevent type 2 diabetes, as it's often the result of controllable things like body weight and physical fitness. You might be able to control type 2 diabetes with strict lifestyle changes, but if you've already advanced to the point of having diabetic neuropathy, you likely need treatment beyond lifestyle adjustments.
Do I have diabetic neuropathy?
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you’ll notice some obvious symptoms. These typically include:
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Hand and foot numbness
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Foot pain
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Burning sensation in hands and feet
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Balance issues
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Muscle weakness
Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication, and it requires immediate attention. At St. Luke Integrative Medical Center, Dr. Ortega offers some of the most advanced neuropathy treatments available today.
What is the treatment for diabetes?
The treatment for diabetes depends on a number of things specific to you. Your current symptoms, your overall health, your age, and other individual factors play a role in creating your treatment plan.
Insulin is controllable in most cases. You may need to do injections, use a pump, or take medication if you can’t control your blood sugar through your diet. It’s important that you commit to good overall health even if you’re controlling your insulin with the help of medicine. Your lifestyle choices now can literally extend your lifespan.
If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, the optimal treatment plan is one that stimulates your nerves using cutting-edge nonsurgical treatments. At St. Luke Integrative Medicine, Dr. Ortega uses a specific blend of highly advanced technologies and unique treatment protocols that are truly state-of-the-art.
Request an appointment online or by phone to learn more about this innovative technology and how it can help you.
Types and Symptoms of
Neuropathy
