What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes, most commonly damaging nerves in your legs and feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy usually include numbness, burning, pins and needles and/or tingling in your feet and loss of protective sensation (LOPS). Diabetic neuropathy, particularly LOPS, is a serious risk factor for developing diabetic foot ulcerations.

How often should I screen patients for LOPS?

You should screen patients for LOPS with a monofilament test four times per year, in addition to their inspecting their feet daily and maintaining proper foot care. If your patients have a history of foot ulcerations, LOPS, poor circulation, difficulty bending, impaired vision, or problems holding objects such as a nail clipper, they should be obtaining foot care from a podiatrist on a regular schedule at least every 2 or 3 months or more often as advised by their doctors or health care providers.

What is LOPS?

Loss of protective sensation (LOPS) is characterized by the severe loss of sensation and sometimes the ability to feel things such as pain in the foot. Diabetic patients are at particular risk to develop LOPS, which can be a precursor to diabetic foot ulcerations and even amputation. When patients lose normal sensation, they may no longer realize when they are injuring their feet.

How often should patients be screened for LOPS?

Patients should be screened for LOPS with a monofilament test four times per year, in addition to their inspecting their feet daily and maintaining proper foot care. If they have a history of foot ulcerations, LOPS, poor circulation, difficulty bending, impaired vision, or problems holding objects such as a nail clipper, they should be obtaining your foot care from a podiatrist on a regular schedule at least every 2 or 3 months or more often as advised by their doctors or health care providers.

Why is it important to screen for LOPS?

With LOPS, a cut, scrape, blister or even something as unassuming as a pebble in your shoe can go unnoticed. A delay in the detection of a problem and lack of proper and timely care can lead to more severe complications such as severe foot infections and possibly amputation. Studies have shown that amputations are preventable 45%-85% of the time with proper care and attention (CDC 2011).

What can I do if I have LOPS or diabetic neuropathy?

If you have been diagnosed with LOPS or diabetic neuropathy, it is important to inspect your feet daily. Check for redness, swelling, bruising, cuts and other changes. Be sure to always wear shoes to protect your feet, and inspect your shoes daily – items may become stuck in your shoes without your knowledge and injure your feet. Your doctor may recommend special shoe inserts. Continue regular monofilament tests and visits to your podiatrist to manage your condition, and keep your blood sugar under control to reduce your risk of complication.

What if I don't have LOPS or diabetic neuropathy?

Even if you have not been diagnosed with LOPS or diabetic neuropathy, it is important to continue to test for LOPS if you have diabetes. Regular monofilaments tests every three months, along with daily foot inspection and proper foot care can significantly reduce your future risk for developing diabetic foot ulcerations. Keep your blood sugar under control to further reduce your risk of developing neuropathy.

Will everyone with diabetes develop neuropathy?

No. The good news is that not everyone with diabetes will develop neuropathy, although it is estimated that 60-70% will (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse). Tight control of blood sugars will decrease your chances of developing neuropathy and other complications.