Are you one of the millions of Americans who have diabetes? Characterized as a chronic health condition, diabetes occurs when the body fails to properly produce or use insulin. This triggers a spike in blood glucose levels, as well as poor circulation and increased pain. In this diabetes management guide, we’ll take a closer look at the unique link between diabetes and pain. We’ll also explore at-home and professional diabetes solutions designed to reduce pain and boost long-term wellness.
Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Pain
Diabetes is linked to a wide range of symptoms, from increased thirst and urination to vision and skin issues. In more serious cases, diabetes can cause the following pain conditions:
- Diabetic neuropathy: High blood sugar levels may damage nerves in the hands and feet. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, can cause burning, tingling and sharp pain.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Diabetes reduces circulation and blood flow to the extremities, which can cause PAD. This condition is characterized by pain, cramping and discomfort in the limbs.
- Chronic pain conditions: Increased blood sugar, coupled with reduced circulation, can trigger inflammation and joint issues. This may lead to chronic pain, including musculoskeletal and back pain conditions.
Over time, diabetes-related pain can lead to slow healing wounds that eventually require amputations. To prevent these complications, it’s important to address diabetes-related pain quickly. Look out for early signs, such as a tingling or burning sensation, wounds and sores, inflammation and pain in the extremities.
Effective Pain Management Strategies for Diabetic Patients
Dealing with chronic pain isn’t easy. However, you can help manage pain levels by implementing the following lifestyle habits and preventive measures:
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet that consists of lean proteins, fibers, fruits and vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Exercise: Physical activity lowers blood sugar levels and helps prevent weight gain.
- Stress management: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can reduce blood sugar.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Technology such as glucose meters helps patients monitor blood sugar spikes and prevent complications.
While lifestyle habits can help manage diabetes, they’re not always enough to prevent pain. If you continue to experience severe or frequent pain, consider visiting a pain management clinic in Atlanta.
Professional Treatments for Diabetic Nerve Pain in Atlanta
Nobody deserves to struggle with chronic pain. At Atlanta Medical Clinic, we offer a wide range of innovative treatments for patients with type 1, type 2 and pre-diabetes. Our diabetes treatment options include the following:
- Individualized care plans: Every diabetes patient has their own unique degree of insulin resistance, which means every patient requires their own unique treatment plan. Through an initial consultation, our team will learn more about your needs, allowing us to craft highly personalized plans.
- Infusion treatments: Our one-of-a-kind infusion therapy, known as physiologic cellular restoration, is a groundbreaking treatment that utilizes insulin as a hormone rather than as a drug. By imitating normal physiology, infusion therapy helps lower insulin resistance and repair damaged tissues and organs.
- Advanced wound care: Chronic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and PAD can cause slow healing wounds. To treat these wounds, we use advanced grafting therapies that boost and maintain mobility.
Ultimately, we aim to treat the root cause of diabetes-related pain, as opposed to just masking the symptoms with medication.
Personalized Care for Diabetes: What to Expect at Our Atlanta Clinic
Are you looking for professional diabetes solutions? Atlanta Medical Clinic is here to help. We recognize the unique challenges that diabetes patients face, and we’re committed to helping you overcome them. Not only do we provide ongoing pain relief, but we’re also dedicated members of the Atlanta community. Our high-quality treatments, paired with our patient-centered focus, set us apart from the crowd. Schedule your consultation today!