What tests are required if there are no sensations below the knees in a diabetic?

Q: My father is 68 years old and a chronic diabetic since 7 years. The problem now is that he has no sensation below the knees of both the legs. He is also unable to walk a short distance. His left toe has been amputated. I request you to advise what steps I have to take for him to recover. Regards.

A:Your father appears to have damage to the nerves and blood supply of thelegs, affecting the muscles also. He needs:1. Complete evaluation by a neurologist2. Complete evaluation by an endocrinologist, with3. Tight control of diabetes, blood pressure as well as lipid levels, if those are high.4. Addition of low dose aspirin, if suitable.5. He is also very likely to need a retina check, and cardiac and kidney assessment, as he may be suffering from other complications of diabetes, which tend to develop in parallel.