Your health care provider can usually diagnose diabetic neuropathy by performing a physical exam and carefully reviewing your symptoms and medical history.

Your health care provider typically checks your:

• Overall muscle strength and tone
• Tendon reflexes
• Sensitivity to touch, pain, temperature and vibration

Along with the physical exam, your health care provider may perform or order specific tests to help diagnose diabetic neuropathy, such as:

• Filament testing. A soft nylon fiber (monofilament) is brushed over areas of your skin to test your sensitivity to touch.
• Sensory testing. This noninvasive test is used to tell how your nerves respond to vibration and changes in temperature.
• Nerve conduction testing. This test measures how quickly the nerves in your arms and legs conduct electrical signals.
• Electromyography. Called needle testing, this test is often done along with nerve conduction studies. It measures electrical discharges produced in your muscles.
• Autonomic testing. Special tests may be done to determine how your blood pressure changes while you are in different positions, and whether your sweating is within the standard range.
• The bladder area (below your bellybutton) can help some bladder problems. Other methods, including self-catheterization, may be needed to remove urine from a nerve-damaged bladder.
• Digestive problems. To relieve mild signs and symptoms of gastroparesis — indigestion, belching, nausea or vomiting — eating smaller, more frequent meals may help. Diet changes and medications may help relieve gastroparesis, diarrhea, constipation and nausea.
• Low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension). Treatment starts with simple lifestyle changes, such as not using alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and changing positions such as from sitting to standing slowly. Sleeping with the head of the bed raised 4 to 6 inches helps prevent high blood pressure overnight.
• Your health care provider may also recommend compression support for your abdomen and thighs (abdominal binder and compression shorts or stockings). Several medications, either alone or together, may be used to treat orthostatic hypotension.
• Sexual dysfunction. Medications taken by mouth or injection may improve sexual function in some men, but they aren't safe and effective for everyone. Mechanical vacuum devices may increase blood flow to the penis. Women may benefit from vaginal lubricants.

Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have:

• A cut or sore on your foot that is infected or won't heal
• Burning, tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Changes in digestion, urination or sexual function
• Dizziness and fainting