HomeAnswersNeurologydiabetesAre people with long-term diabetes more prone to neurological and psychological problems?

Kindly advise on my diabetic mother with neurological and psychological problems.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Hitesh Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At November 8, 2020
Reviewed AtNovember 8, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother has long term diabetes for almost 40 years. She has walking difficulties for the last eight years. Initially, her walking becomes slow, and then she cannot move her feet. And now she cannot sit or stand by herself. She has no strength in her waist that she cannot sit without support and fold her waist. She also has a memory problem that increases day by day. Now she is totally in bed with a small psychological problem and speaks abnormally.

She is currently on Thyronorm 50, Pan 40, Telma 40, Ecosprin AV 75, and Lupisulin insulin. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Hitesh Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Possibly she might be having combination of multiple factors/reasons for her symptoms:

1. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

2. Vascular dementia (?Binswanger's disease).

3. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

4. Cervical PIVD (prolapsed invertebral disc) / myelopathy.

5. Osteoarthritis.

In such scenario, clinical examination is also necessary before starting medications for that.

Investigations to be done

NCV (nerve condiction velocity) all four limbs EEG (electroencephalogram). CBC (complete blood count). LFT (liver function test). KFT (kidney function test). Serum electrolytes. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). Urine routine. ECG (electrocardiogram). T3 T4 TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Differential diagnosis

1. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 2. Vascular dementia (?Binswanger's disease). 3. BPSD. 4. Cervical PIVD/ myelopathy.

Treatment plan

I suggest to consult a Neurologist physically for clinical examination and then only plan for medications. Along with medications, physiotherapy may also help.

Preventive measures

Avoid daytime somnolence. Keep the patient awake in the daytime by giving visual or auditory stimuli.

Regarding follow up

Review SOS.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Hitesh Kumar
Dr. Hitesh Kumar

Neurology

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