Diabetes

Pay Attention to Pain

Just 2% of nondiabetics get carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), while 14 to 30% of diabetics do, a new study suggests. But the usual CTS test, a nerve conduction study, is not accurate for diabetics, says researcher Vera Bril, MD, of the University of Toronto.

A better approach for your doctor: Pay extra attention to symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands. "If these symptoms are caused by activities such as holding a newspaper, driving, or doing hand work and are relieved by shaking your hands or stopping the activities, then you probably have CTS," says Dr. Bril.

PHOTO (COLOR): Diabetics have more wrist aches.

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By L.T.

Edited by Sari Harrar