Most people don't realize this but diabetic neuropathy affects nearly
50 percent of diabetics within their lifetime. Considering that 37 million people in the US alone
suffer from diabetes, the number of those who also must deal with diabetic neuropathy is staggering.
Yet many people know very little about this grave condition.
So stay tuned to this extremely important topic, because we're about to reveal 3 crucial tips to
help you fight and PREVENT diabetic neuropathy. LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and stick around for 3 FREE
giveaways! Now, let's uncover...
HOW TO PREVENT DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
What exactly is diabetic neuropathy? Basically, it s several types of nerve damage specifically
caused by years of diabetic symptoms. Type 1 and type 2 diabetics may experience...
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY - damage to the nerves of legs, feet, arms, and hands...
PROXIMAL NEUROPATHY - damage to muscles and nerves in thighs, hips, legs, and buttocks...
AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY - damage of the automatic nervous system, which includes the heart,
eyes, stomach, intestines, bladder, and sex organs...
and FOCAL NEUROPATHY - also called MONONEUROPATHY, as it affects one single nerve at a time.
This focused form of neuropathy can damage specific nerves within hands,
legs, the torso, or even the head.
While peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy,
each type can cause severe pain, or feelings of tingling,
burning, or numbness. Some forms of neuropathy can lead to vision problems, sensitivity to touch,
increased muscle weakness, bladder or bowel issues, and even decreased sexual response.
But right now you may be asking... What is the relationship between
high blood sugar and diabetic neuropathy? Well, just like any part of your body, your
nerves are supplied with blood, oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients via your blood vessels.
However, long-term diabetic symptoms can scar these blood vessels.
As a result, the ability of certain nerves, and the signals they send to the brain,
can become compromised. This may then lead to
blockages of blood vessels, which can cause massive damage to legs and feet.
In some cases, it can even result in the need for an amputation.
However, don't get too worried just yet, because, believe it or not, there is hope!
So... It's time to uncover... 3 SIMPLE TIPS FOR DECREASING
YOUR RISK OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY #3 - Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
Sure, it seems obvious, but this is a critical step. After all, multiple studies
have proven that high blood pressure, a.k.a. HYPERTENSION, can worsen diabetic neuropathy.
A 2019 study published in the American Journal Of Hypertension
showed that chronic high blood pressure significantly contributed to nerve abnormalities
in patients with diabetic neuropathy. So what can you do about it?
First and foremost, try weight management. The general notion is that the more weight you carry,
the higher your blood pressure will be. Being overweight can also cause disrupted
breathing while you sleep, which in turn, will further raise your blood pressure.
So, of course, it s important to take a balanced approach to your nutrition. Cut back on any simple
carbohydrate foods, like white bread or chips, and eat modest portions of lean protein, omega-3 fats,
and complex carbohydrates from natural, unprocessed sources, like cruciferous vegetables.
Plus, you might try INTERMITTENT FASTING - which can simply involve eating your last meal
at least 4 hours before bedtime while skipping breakfast the next day.
Also, during any unhealthy hunger cravings, instead of reaching for a snack, try drinking
a glass of water. Studies show that drinking water can help you cut back on over-eating,
and it can lead to healthy weight loss. This, in turn, can work to lower your blood pressure.
It's also important to take part in regular physical activity.
Taking even just a 20-minute walk per day has been shown to help keep blood pressure under control.
And it goes without saying, but you should also watch your salt intake,
and avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
#2 - Adopt A Healthy Diet
Beyond simply losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, by choosing unprocessed,
nutrition-rich natural foods, can be just as important for fighting diabetic neuropathy.
Evidence shows that subscribing to a healthy diet can slow down and
prevent the progression of neuropathy. And, obviously, poorly controlled blood
sugar levels, especially over the long-term, are a main factor for developing neuropathy.
That's why the American Diabetes Association suggests that type 2 diabetics take a hemoglobin
A1C test at least twice a year. They also recommend setting a goal of maintaining an
A1C of 7% or lower, in order to minimize the risk of developing diabetic complications,
including neuropathy. So ditch high glycemic foods,
like starchy breads or pastas, cereals, sodas, crackers, baked goods, or sugar-laden dessert
treats... and instead try 100% whole grain products, high-fiber fruits and vegetables,
and healthy sources of fat and protein. Plus, as previously mentioned,
it s important to hydrate throughout the day. Definitely do away with sodas or juices,
and instead, stick with water. It may be boring, but simply replacing high-sugar, processed
drinks with good ol H2O has been shown to increase weight loss while lowering fasting glucose levels.
The ADA further suggests adjusting your diet in order to lower high cholesterol levels
specifically LDL cholesterol levels. This form of cholesterol can lead to arterial plaque build-up,
which will raise blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, be sure to decrease your intake of foods which are high in saturated fats or omega-6
fats, like processed meats, cookies, and fast food items. Instead, increase your consumption
of mono and polyunsaturated fat food sources, or foods rich in omega-3 fats. That means you
can go for unsalted nuts or unprocessed nut butters, fatty fish, like salmon and tuna,
unsweetened Greek yogurt, chicken, eggs, and even certain low-sodium cheeses.
Here at Diabetes Smarts, we know just how confusing it can be to understand
which specific foods to eat... and what foods you should keep off of your table.
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OK, it's time for today s top tip for avoiding diabetic neuropathy...
# 1 - Take Care Of Your Feet Since diabetic neuropathy most
often affects feet and legs, it's essential for you to take care of your lower extremities.
That's why doctors recommend that diabetics subscribe to a daily foot care routine.
Specifically, the American Diabetes Association suggests a multi-step approach...
- Keep your feet clean. Wash them every day with tap water and mild soap,
but do NOT soak them, as water osmosis may carry germs and cause infections.
- Inspect your feet. Check for cracks, fissures,
dry skin, and infections, especially between toes and around toenails.
But be gentle, and use a mirror or ask a friend or loved one for help if you have difficulty viewing
the entirety of your feet accurately. - Trim your toenails carefully.
Improper trimming or a lack of trimming may cause the sharp edges of your nails to grow into your
skin, which can lead to infections. - Utilize lotions.
Applying a good quality lotion each day can lessen itchiness and can prevent dry skin from cracking.
Lotions moisturize your feet while keeping contaminated water from absorbing into your skin.
But be sure NOT to lotion BETWEEN your toes,
as this may lead to fungal infections. - Change Your Footwear.
Wearing diabetic-friendly shoes with moisture-wicking socks will provide
comfort while protecting your feet. New shoes are a common source of ulcerations, so
make sure to wear new shoes in, slowly. - Get Blood Flowing To Your Feet.
As we've already mentioned, regular exercise will improve blood flow, and that can work to
reduce your risk of peripheral neuropathy. Try movements which gently work your leg muscles,
like walking, cycling, or swimming. - Get Professional Check-Ups.
Be sure to schedule thorough annual examinations of your feet with your physician or podiatrist.
They can spot issues you may not notice on your own,
they may prescribe specific nerve-aiding or glucose-lowering medications,
and they can help you implement plans for long-term, sustained foot and leg health.
Now that you've got a better understanding of diabetic neuropathy,
and how to prevent this outcome, we want to know if you ve experienced this common occurrence.
Do you have any words of wisdom for fighting back against diabetic neuropathy? Let our community
know by commenting below! And before you go,
be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and don't forget to click the link in the description below
to grab your three FREE gifts! Thanks for watching! Have a diabetes-fighting day!