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Suggest Treatment For Poor Mobility In A Diabetic Patient
Question: my dad is in hospital and has been diagnosed with diabetic type 2 peripheral neuropathy. Dad has lost complete mobility. Can my dad ever walk again and if so what can we do. the hospital have basically said this is dads life now so we need adaptations at home. i am sure something can help to gain a bit of mobility. dad cant stand from a sitting position and then when he does his legs collpase underneath him. please help
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your father's medical condition.
It is true that the vast majority of individuals with advanced diabetic neuropathy are irreversible. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this yet.
However, there are medications to control the symptoms. Generally speaking, improving control of the
Glucose(diabetes)
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
well is known to prevent the progression of this neuropathy.
Furthermore, avoiding smoking also helps.
Consulting a Neurologist will be most useful who will ascertain the cause and rule out other possible causes of neuropathy which may be treatable such certain kinds of vitamin deficiencies.
Finally, it is worthwhile seeing an Occupational therapist to assist with mobility
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free
Vitamin B12
Folate
12 hour Fasting Lipid profile
Urine albumin to Creatinine Ratio
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Some of the tests above look for conditions that can cause muscle weakness and prevent one from standing properly. So it is relevant to check for these
Neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your father's medical condition.
It is true that the vast majority of individuals with advanced diabetic neuropathy are irreversible. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this yet.
However, there are medications to control the symptoms. Generally speaking, improving control of the
Glucose(diabetes)
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
well is known to prevent the progression of this neuropathy.
Furthermore, avoiding smoking also helps.
Consulting a Neurologist will be most useful who will ascertain the cause and rule out other possible causes of neuropathy which may be treatable such certain kinds of vitamin deficiencies.
Finally, it is worthwhile seeing an Occupational therapist to assist with mobility
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free
Vitamin B12
Folate
12 hour Fasting Lipid profile
Urine albumin to Creatinine Ratio
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Some of the tests above look for conditions that can cause muscle weakness and prevent one from standing properly. So it is relevant to check for these
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so my dad will never walk again if it just neuropathy all the above has been ruled out. dad is in hospital
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I follow that. If a neurologist pronounces this outlook as such then it could be true
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I follow that. If a neurologist pronounces this outlook as such then it could be true
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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