These check the flow of electrical current through a nerve. The impulses are transmitted as an electrical signal. Slower or weaker than usual signals may mean possible damage. Ultrasound uses sound waves to image how well the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract are working. Nerve biopsy involves removing a sample of nerve tissue for examination.
Treatment aims at relieving discomfort and preventing further tissue damage.
The first step is to bring blood glucose levels under control by diet, oral medications and insulin, if needed. Although the symptoms may increase as the control becomes effective, careful long-term monitoring of blood glucose levels helps reverse the pain and loss of sensation that neuropathy can cause. It can also help prevent or delay onset of further problems. A number of medications are used to relieve the symptoms of neuropathy. An analgesic such as aspirin or acetaminophen, an anti-inflammatory drug containing ibuprofen, antidepressant medications such as amitiptyline, sometimes used with fluphenazine, or nerve medications such as carbamazepine or phenytoin sodium have been used successfully.