How To Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder which can develop in diabetic individuals over time. It is characterized by nerve damage, that can occur in a particular area of the body or all throughout the body. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, around 60 to 70 percent of the diabetic population develops neuropathy at some point in time. The incidence of diabetic neuropathy is higher in individuals who suffer from diabetes for more than 25 years. Diabetics who have high blood fat level, high blood pressure, poor control over their blood sugar level, and are overweight, are also prone to develop neuropathy. Diabetic patients run the risk of developing this disorder. Therefore, it is necessary for them to learn how this disorder can affect their lives, the symptoms associated with it, and what can be done to prevent it. Having the knowledge of these things will help them in identifying neuropathy, and taking necessary steps to prevent it too.

Diabetes is a precursor of diabetic neuropathy. Early detection of diabetes in an individual will help in early control of blood sugar levels, which in turn will reduce the chances of developing neuropathy in the body. The disorder generally occurs after several years of diabetes. Taking control of it at an early stage is the best way to deal with both the conditions. Individuals with very high blood glucose levels are more prone to develop neuropathy. Therefore, keeping a stringent check on sugar levels of the blood is very essential. Blood sugar levels must be maintained within the normal range to remain healthy, without being worried of developing another complication. Being overweight is also a risk factor for developing neuropathy in diabetic individuals. Exercising helps in reducing excess weight, promoting nerve cell regeneration, and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy is common in the feet. It results in loss of sensation in the area, due to which a small cut, blister or an injury may remain unnoticed.

Regular foot inspection aims to find whether such instances indicating neuropathy are occurring in a diabetic person. Besides regular inspection, annual foot inspection by the diabetes team must also form a part of the routine. People with diabetes, specially high-risk individuals, must wear comfortable footwear. It must not be too tight or too loose for the feet. Leather and canvas are good options for the feet as they are flexible in nature. Walking shoes are also a comfortable option for a diabetic person's feet. The feet must be taken care of, to decrease the chances of developing neuropathy in the feet. They must be washed regularly with lukewarm water, and a moisturizer must be applied to prevent dryness and cracking. Toe nails must be cut regularly to avoid ingrown nails. Diabetics must regulate their life pattern by getting up early and going to bed at the right time. By doing so, they not only maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also improve glycometabolism, which is good for the prevention of this disorder. A proper diet plan is essential to maintain a steady blood sugar level. Foods rich in salt, sugar and saturated fats must be avoided, and ones with high fiber, vitamins and minerals must be included in the diet. Getting a proper diet chart prepared by a dietitian will be helpful in following a diet that is capable of maintaining normal levels of blood glucose. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication associated with diabetes. Therefore, diabetics must take special care of themselves to prevent it from occurring. Apart from following what is mentioned above, consult a physician who can recommend better ways of preventing this chronic disorder in diabetic individuals.

But hopefully, others with the disease will realize that they can still be very active and set lofty goals! Not everyone can run a marathon, that is for sure! I do hope to inspire those that are runners pre-diagnosis of diabetes, or show that people that have had the disease for years might still be able to participate in endurance races. This is a great hub. Other people with type 1 diabetes will be inspired reading about your accomplishments. Good advice throughout. Thank you for sharing.. Thank you CloudExplorer - definitely avoiding processed food is a healthy choice for diabetics and others. I really appreciate your comment and am off to go read your hubs on diet, diabetes and exercise. I also wrote a few hub on the issues affecting people today in dealing with fighting many ailments, and diseases related to eating of certain foods. This hub is truly breath taking to say the least, and goes to show what someone truly must go through to fight such a retched disease as diabetes.

You a strong person, and hopefully more people can find it in them the same strength you have found in your battles with diabetes. Exercise is definitely a key to the fight for sure, heath consciousness is the other. I can share it, thanks for being so strong @stephhicks68. Thanks Pamela - its funny, one of the first thoughts I had when diagnosed with diabetes is, "well, now I will never be able to run a marathon." Fortunately, I was wrong! It does make it easier with today's medical technology, having an insulin pump and easy to use blood sugar meters. Hi Tony - thanks! I know what you mean about taking our bodies for granted. I certainly did so before developing diabetes. So appreciate your comment. It is impressive to me that you are able to manage your diabetes well enough to run in marathons. This was a terrific hope that gives hope to all that deal with medical issues. Steph, you're a true hero of the running world. We mere mortals just take our body's for granted, and never attempt what you have done.