Diabetic Neuropathy refers to injury to nerves either
- directly due to the magnitude and duration of hyperglycemia or
- indirectly due to the damage to blood vessels that supply oxygen andnutrients to the nerves (also because of prolonged periods of
hyperglycemia)
Most types of diabetic neuropathy develop slowly, and one may not notice problems until considerable damage has been done. Some of the common complications that can arise from diabetic complications include loss of a limb;
sexual dysfunctions; and uncontrollable sweating; Therefore, people living withdiabetes must take all steps necessary to delay or prevent diabetic neuropathy before the symptoms set, or seek medical advice if the symptoms have already
set in.
Listed below are the main components of Diabetic Neuropathy Management or prevention. Let us all try and achieve most, if not all of these components to minimize the risk of developing complications
Tight Blood Sugar Control – This of utmost importance! It will
involve a combination of the right diet; taking medication as prescribed;
engaging in regular physical activity and constant monitoring.Take good care of your feet. Check your feet every day. Some people do not feel any pain on their feet, even with a foot injury. You
must use your eyes to look for any changes. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet. Use your hands to feel for hot or cold spots, bumps
or dry skin. Look for sores, cuts or breaks in the skin. Also check for corns, calluses, blisters, red areas, swelling, ingrown toenails and toenail infections. If it’s hard for you to see or reach your feet, get help from a family member to look, or ask your doctor to the next time you go for
your check-up. Check out this video on Diabetes footcare.Protect your feet. If your feet are dry, use a lotion on your
skin, but not between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to an
infection between your toes. Wear shoes and socks that fit well and wear
them all the time (Do not walk barefoot). After washing your feet, dry
them carefully, especially between the toes. Check out this video on
Diabetes footcare https://youtu.be/DASvmFJeYX8Be physically active – engage in physical activity that is safe for people experiencing neuropathy
Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Quit smoking
Lose weight if overweight or obese
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
See the doctor for a foot exam at least once a year
See a doctor to control the pain; a doctor is best placed to make your pain prescription.
