Diabetes and Nerve Damage
Nerve damage or neuropathy is another common complication of diabetes. It is very common for those who have been diabetics for a long time. It results when sustained high blood glucose causes damage to the blood vessels that supply the nerves. Nerve damage in diabetics is very common in the extremities like the legs.
Delaying and preventing nerve damage is of primary importance in diabetics. Nerves convey messages to and from the brain and allow one to feel pain, touch and temperature. This is not the only important function of nerves. They also dictate muscle movement and control different bodily systems like the digestive and urinary functions.
The first step to preventing nerve damage is keeping blood glucose levels within target. If you are already experiencing nerve damage, keeping the blood glucose level within target becomes even more important to prevent further damage. Use a glucose meter to monitor blood glucose levels and determine if your diabetes management plan is working for you. A glucose meter will help you decide in day-to-day decisions on insulin dosage and other measures to control glucose. Find out about your average long term (2 to 3 months period) blood glucose by getting an AC1 test in a reputable laboratory. Do this two or three times a year.
If you already feel the symptoms of nerve damage, like tingling, numbing or painful sensations in your feet, seek treatment immediately. Getting early help prevents further damage. In advanced cases of nerve damage, the feet are often the most affected part of the body, leading to amputations. This makes foot care an important concern. If you cannot feel sensations on your feet, you will not be able to notice injuries such as cuts, sores and blisters. Train yourself to look for injuries and not just rely on sensation or feel. A foot injury that goes unnoticed and that heals very slowly can lead to amputation.
Taking good care of your feet also includes protecting them. If you must, use diabetic socks or shoes that are designed to prevent pressure and injuries to the feet. Seek doctor's clearance when exercising if you are already experiencing the effects of nerve damage. Some exercises are not safe for people with nerve damage and might only aggravate the condition.
Finally, making sure that your diabetic management plan is working is the best defense against nerve damage. Get a reliable glucose monitoring system and make sure you use it regularly and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Coordinate closely with your doctors for prevention and treatment of nerve damage.
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