Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy In An Elderly Man?
Question: my dad is struggling with mobility and has been for approximately 6 weeks. we have been to the GP and he suspects dad has diabetic neuropathy. Can we reverse this in any way to gain any mobility back. Dads legs just buckle underneath him and this al l happened literally overnight
Brief Answer:
possibility of only diabetic neuropathy is less likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Diabetic neuropathy usually occurs after5-10 years of diabetes.
Acute onset weakness may not be due to diabetic neuropathy and other causes to be suspected.
It can be due to stroke, lesions in spinal cord or plexus involvement.
He needs to be examined in detail by a neurologist and get investigated accordingly.
Control of blood sugar is utmost importance.
Recovery is likely if diagnosis is established.
Is there any speech changes, dysphagia, upper limb weakness, sensory loss, urinary complains,?
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back with further details.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
possibility of only diabetic neuropathy is less likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Diabetic neuropathy usually occurs after5-10 years of diabetes.
Acute onset weakness may not be due to diabetic neuropathy and other causes to be suspected.
It can be due to stroke, lesions in spinal cord or plexus involvement.
He needs to be examined in detail by a neurologist and get investigated accordingly.
Control of blood sugar is utmost importance.
Recovery is likely if diagnosis is established.
Is there any speech changes, dysphagia, upper limb weakness, sensory loss, urinary complains,?
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back with further details.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
it is defo neuropathy emg studies mri scan and otger tests have come back as neuropathy so what can we do to reverse it or cant we
Brief Answer:
Diabetes control and physiotherapy should be done
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In case diabetic neuropathy is confirmed diagnosis then treatment is basically strict control of diabetes.
Physiotherapy is to be continued regularly.
Gabapentin can be given for pain.
Improvement is slow and not complete .
Acute weakness in lower limbs is not a feature of diabetic neuropathy.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
Diabetes control and physiotherapy should be done
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In case diabetic neuropathy is confirmed diagnosis then treatment is basically strict control of diabetes.
Physiotherapy is to be continued regularly.
Gabapentin can be given for pain.
Improvement is slow and not complete .
Acute weakness in lower limbs is not a feature of diabetic neuropathy.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
It has happened over several months its legs collpasing that happened overnight sorry for the confusion. Although recovery not complete we can get dad better than he is? How do we stop legs collapsing
Brief Answer:
Improvement will occur with diabetes contol and physiotherapy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In case the weakness is gradual onset then possibility of diabetic neuropathy is to be considered if other investigations are normal.
Diabetes control improves neuropathy to some extent and stop further progression.
Physiotherapy is also important.
Some drugs like benfomet plus and epalristat also helps in diabetic neuropathy.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
Improvement will occur with diabetes contol and physiotherapy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In case the weakness is gradual onset then possibility of diabetic neuropathy is to be considered if other investigations are normal.
Diabetes control improves neuropathy to some extent and stop further progression.
Physiotherapy is also important.
Some drugs like benfomet plus and epalristat also helps in diabetic neuropathy.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
Dr. Deepti Verma
OBGYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Practicing since :2009
Answered : 5064 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
