Diabetes, CMT and Neuropathy

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder. It can be either acquired or

inherited. You know CMT is disorder of the peripheral nerves but as

we are seeing, seems to involve much more. Now, both can share some

of the same symptoms - like tingling, burning feet, pain etc. Both

affect the human body differently and require different treatments,

although, diabetics and persons with CMT share many common foot

problems - wide feet, the need for good shoes, sometimes foot

infections too etc.

Diabetes is very well known. CMT is not.

As for " treatment " : basically, we with CMT 'wing it' with medications

for symptoms, AFOs, etc. Diabetes requires blood sugar monitoring,

even perhaps insulin injections and careful adherence to diet.

About Neuropathy - this is from http://medical-dictionary.com/

A general term denoting functional disturbances and/or pathological

changes in the peripheral nervous system. If the involvement is in

one nerve it is called mononeuropathy, in several nerves,

mononeuropathy multiplex, if diffuse and bilateral, polyneuropathy.

The aetiology may be known for example arsenical neuropathy, diabetic

neuropathy, ischaemic neuropathy, traumatic neuropathy) or unknown.

Encephalopathy and myelopathy are corresponding terms relating to

involvement of the brain and spinal cord, respectively. The term is

also used to designate noninflammatory lesions in the peripheral

nervous system, in contrast to inflammatory lesions (neuritis).

Origin: Gr. Pathos = disease

About the insurance coverage issue: my custom made orthotics were

$300. I paid out of pocket. My insurance was billed and said that

since I didn't have a 'diabetes' diagnosis, they would not pay their

80%. I fought this because my doctor said to and provided some

additional information about my CMT. Finally my insurance forked over

their share.

Maddening I know. I'm sorry this sounds so scrambled...lol...no

excuse for a moderator, I know, I have been on the go non-stop since

7 am for a variety of reasons, and am having a melt-down, lol. Go to

that medical dictionary site and see what you can find. Also, perhaps

some of our members who are also diabetic may jump in and

inform us more.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

,

If you want real confusion try having CMT and then developing type one

diabetes. My doctors stay as confused as I am some days....but my

motto is......keep smiling it makes people wonder what you have been up

to!!!!

Cathleen