When someone says ‘diabetes’, people’s first thoughts go to ‘high blood sugar’ or ‘insulin’. Rarely do people think about neuropathy being associated with diabetes. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body causing numbness or weakness. The peripheral nervous system is an elaborate network of motor and sensory nerves that forms the communication system between the brain and the body and neuropathy refers to conditions that damaged these nerves. 
Diabetics are more prone to peripheral neuropathy because the disease causes damage to small blood vessels which supply nerves. Because diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affects any peripheral nerves including pain fibres, the condition may result in discomfort or pain in many parts of the body. 
While symptoms depend on the nerves affected and their location, people who suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy have described what they feel in a variety of ways. These range from a deep ache, to static-like ‘zapping’, and burning, tingling, throbbing, itchiness, and pins and needles. The parts of the body most affected are the extremities including the hands and feet. This is where chiropractors may help some patients. Chiropractors are health care professionals focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular skeletal disorders. Chiropractors treat patients through manual manipulation of the spine. Chiropractic care is not a cure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, however, chiropractors may help with early detection of neuropathy. Chiropractors may also provide lifestyle advice including exercise and fitness suggestions for the patient’s ongoing management or further referral to the medical doctor, nutritionist or dietician. Chiropractors would also be involved in co-management of patients suffering with mechanical joint or back pain. IMU Healthcare, approaches patient’s health with an integrated view and chiropractic may play a role in the detection of neuropathy associated with diabetes. Diabetes management is about early detection and lifestyle advice including dietary counseling. As such chiropractors can play a supportive role and refer patients to the appropriate care experts. An integrated system of care is helpful to patients who are seeking promising results from diabetes management. This article is brought to you by IMU Healthcare. Related articles: Diabetes Is No Sweet Subject Taking Special Care of that Sweet Tooth The Yin and Yang of Diabetes Treatment
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