Diabetes Diabetes is a condition that affects the body's ability to use glucose, a form of sugar, for energy. Glucose is found in the sugars and starches of the food we eat. A hormone, called insulin, regulates levels of glucose in the blood and enables glucose to get into the cells for fuel. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed and the body is unable to make its own insulin. Patients need regular injections of insulin to stay alive. In type 2 diabetes, the body either is unable to make enough insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled with diet, exercise and medications.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 18.2 million Americans have diabetes. Type 1 is less common, affecting 5 to 10 percent of all patients. It's most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of cases. In the past, type 2 was usually diagnosed in overweight, sedentary middle-aged adults. However, doctors are seeing more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger patients (due to the increased rates of overweight and inactive children.)

Diabetes Complications: Peripheral Neuropathy One of the consequences of diabetes is a condition called peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (like those in the arms and legs). Diabetics are most likely to experience peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities. Symptoms of nerve damage can include: numbness or tingling in the toes, feet or legs, loss of pain sensation in the toes and feet, extreme sensitivity to touch, weakness in the legs and loss of reflexes. Since the nerves supply information about position while walking and standing, peripheral neuropathy can also lead to problems with balance.

About 60 to 70 percent of patients with diabetes have some degree of peripheral neuropathy. Balance problems associated with nerve damage can increase the risk of falls, especially among older patients. Loss of pain sensation and poor circulation can lead to undetected foot wounds that heal poorly and become ulcerated. In severe cases, doctors may need to amputate an infected, non-healing area of the limb to prevent the spread of tissue loss. Each year, about 86,000 amputations are performed on patients with diabetes.

Light Therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Currently, doctors say the best way to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy is to reduce the risk of its occurrence. Adherence to diet and exercise and strict monitoring of blood glucose levels is important to reduce the risk of neuropathy and other complications of diabetes. Patients are also advised to take care of their feet and inspect them regularly for signs of wounds or potential problems.

Some patients may benefit from another treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, called Anodyne® Therapy. The treatment consists of a flexible pad containing light-emitting diodes. The pad is placed over the skin in the area affected by the neuropathy. When the system is turned on, the diodes shine ultraviolet light directly onto the skin, where it is absorbed into the tissues under the surface of the body.

Researchers say inside the body, the ultraviolet light causes the release of nitric oxide (NO), a natural gas found in the tissues. NO is needed to regulate circulation (it dilates the blood vessels) and nerve transmission (it helps nerve signals move across connections, or nerve synapses). Diabetics tend to have much lower than normal levels of NO in their bodies, thus increasing the risk of circulation and nerve problems. The treatment doesn't work for everyone. However, studies show increasing levels of NO in some diabetics can lead to increased sensory perception, reduced pain and improved balance.

The Anodyne Therapy is given in a doctor's office for about 30 minutes, three times a week for up to four weeks. If patients respond to the treatment (i.e., symptoms improve), therapists recommend renting or purchasing a home unit to continue the therapy. The light therapy doesn't cure the neuropathy because the original disease process still exists. Discontinuation of the therapy would eventually cause symptoms to reappear. That's why it's important for patients who respond to continue the treatments at home. Researchers say improved circulation provided by Anodyne Therapy may also enhance wound healing and decrease the risk of serious infection in patients with diabetes.

For information about the Anodyne® Therapy: http://www.anodynetherapy.com

For information about diabetes or diabetic neuropathy:
American Diabetes Association, http://www.diabetes.org, or contact your local chapter
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov