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 Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain - Tax Help Attorney

Highly Misunderstood

Diabetic nerve pain is a highly misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition. In fact, a recent Harris Interactive online survey of about 600 physicians who see at least one diabetes patient in a typical week found that almost all those surveyed (97 percent) believe that diabetic nerve pain is often misdiagnosed.

Additionally, other research has shown that many people at risk for developing diabetic nerve pain are unaware that the condition exists, causing many misconceptions. Below are some examples of how diabetic nerve pain is misunderstood and the facts about the condition:

"This pain is all in my head, or maybe I'm just getting old."

Pain from nerve damage is not a result of aging. It is a real medical condition in patients with diabetes caused by various factors, including high blood sugar and/or smoking. Millions of people have it and most of the time it can be managed.

"There is nothing I can do to stop further nerve damage."

It is possible to stop further nerve damage through exercise and by keeping blood sugar levels under control. Research also shows that walking regularly and doing low-impact exercise can help reduce leg pain. Before starting any exercise plan, it's important to talk with a physician.

"The nerve damage causing my pain can be cured."

Unfortunately, there are no medications that can reverse nerve damage, but the good news is there are medications available to help manage diabetic nerve pain.

"My physician doesn't need to understand how diabetic nerve pain has impacted my life."

Diabetic nerve pain can negatively affect a person's quality of life, making it physically more challenging to participate in normal activities. The symptoms of diabetic nerve pain can also make people feel live tax help than their years, alone and sad. Talking to a health care provider about how the pain may have impacted your life can help him or her determine the best treatment plan.

Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain Program

To clear up misconceptions about diabetic nerve pain and to help patients communicate better with their physicians, the National Pain Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company real estate tax sponsoring a new program called Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain. The program includes tools such as an educational guide to help you talk to your physician about your diabetic nerve pain symptoms and how they are impacting your life, as well as a personal diary for you to share with your physician.

• Dr. Albert Ray is Chairman of the Board for the National Pain Foundation, a non-profit organization that advances the recovery of persons in pain through information, education and support.
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