K.N.O.W. Home Health - DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens when a person has diabetes for a long time. It mostly affects the nerves in your legs and feet, but it can happen in other parts of your body too.

Causes

High blood sugar levels over a long time
Poor blood flow
High blood pressure
Smoking
Being overweight

Symptoms

Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
Burning or sharp pain
Weakness in the muscles
Loss of feeling in the feet
Trouble with balance
Cuts or sores on the feet that you didn’t notice

Special Diet, Precautions, and Considerations

Follow your diabetes meal plan
Keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range
Eat more whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits
Avoid sugary and processed foods
Stay active
Don’t smoke

Risks of Having Neuropathy

You may not feel injuries like cuts, blisters, or burns on your feet
These injuries can become infected if not treated
In serious cases, you could get an infection that leads to amputation (removal of a toe, foot, or leg)
It may affect your ability to walk safely or feel the ground

Importance of Foot Care

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
Keep your feet clean and dry
Moisturize your feet, but not between the toes
Never walk barefoot
Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet
Tell your nurse or doctor if you notice any sores that aren’t healing

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

If you have a new sore, blister, or cut on your feet
If your foot feels warmer or looks more red than usual
If you feel more pain, tingling, or numbness
If you are having trouble checking your feet or taking care of them

When to Go to the Emergency Room

If you have a serious infection in your foot
If your foot or leg becomes very swollen, red, or has pus
If you develop a fever with foot pain
If you can’t walk due to foot pain or weakness

PATIENT HOMEWORK/Assessment

True or False Please

True or False: Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar.
True or False: Only your hands are affected by diabetic neuropathy.
True or False: Numbness or tingling in your feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy.
True or False: You don’t need to check your feet if they don’t hurt.
True or False: Diabetic neuropathy can cause sharp or burning pain.
True or False: It’s okay to walk barefoot if you have diabetic neuropathy.
True or False: Eating healthy foods and keeping blood sugar in range can help prevent nerve damage.
True or False: If you have a sore that doesn't heal, you should call your nurse or doctor.
True or False: You should wear tight shoes to keep your feet in place.
True or False: Smoking can make diabetic neuropathy worse.
True or False: Poor foot care may lead to infections.
True or False: You should check your feet every few weeks.
True or False: Weakness in your legs can be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy.
True or False: Diabetic neuropathy only affects people over 70 years old.
True or False: Moisturizing your feet helps prevent cracks in the skin.
True or False: You should not put lotion between your toes.
True or False: Neuropathy can affect your balance and ability to walk safely.
True or False: If your foot is red and swollen with pus, you should wait a few days before getting help.
True or False: A fever with foot pain is a reason to go to the emergency room.
True or False: Diabetic foot care is not very important unless you are in pain.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Do you experience numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hands or feet, and has it changed recently?

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

Are you having trouble walking, balancing, or performing daily activities safely due to nerve pain or loss of sensation?

Treatment Adherence:

Are you taking your prescribed medications for nerve pain or blood sugar control as directed, and have you noticed any improvements?

Preventive Measures:

Are you checking your feet daily for injuries, wearing proper footwear, and maintaining good blood sugar control to prevent worsening nerve damage?