Around 60 to 70% of diabetic people have some form of nerve damage or neuropathy. Few individuals do not show any signs, while others might experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet initially. Nerve issues might also arise in any organ system, such as the heart, GI tract, or sex organs.
The Signs of Diabetic Nerve Damage
Even though the exact reason or causes of diabetic neuropathy remains indistinct, it is believed that nerve damage occurs majorly because of high levels of blood sugar over longer time durations (long-term hyperglycemia). The highest rates of neuropathy are among individuals who had a history of diabetes for minimum of 25 years. The signs of nerve damage due to diabetes might include:
- Numbness, itching, or painful feeling in the hands, arms, toes, feet, fingers, and legs
- Muscle wasting of the hands or feet
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness or haziness owing to a fall in blood pressure after standing or sitting up
- Urinating more often
- Erectile dysfunction in males or vaginal dryness in females
Nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, cannot be reversed. However, the good news is that there are approaches to manage the problem. Below are some of the best ways to assist management of the signs:
Manage blood sugar levels
It is a must to keep track of glucose levels every day. A physician would help in figuring out where a person’s blood glucose levels must lie. It is also important to discuss with the concerned care team, including the healthcare provider, and podiatrist (more on foot care in a bit). Book your appointment with Breathe Well-being best diabetes doctor or endocrinologist to reverse your type 2 diabetes scientifically.
Stress mitigation
Mental health including stress has become a big topic in the health world. Studies indicate that physical and mental pain can be strongly associated. In a recent research study of individuals living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, 51% of those plotted had been given treatment for stress or mental health problems. When the topic of stress comes, individuals are different. Begin with medicines, yoga, or creative projects, and go from there. Also, a therapist or a counselor can help in the same.
Medicines
There are a majority of medications that are found to manage the levels of blood glucose and or pain. Discuss with a doctor and don’t be afraid to ask queries to determine the appropriate choice for a person.
Natural remedies
Progressively more individuals are looking out for certain natural treatments or services to manage the signs of diabetic neuropathy. Few things a person can try involve:
- Essential Oils: When applied to a person’s skin, few essential oils are found to relieve stress, pain, or sleep problems. They might also be utilized as aromatherapy by being added to in-home diffusers.
- Massage: Healing touch help in offering many benefits, such as mitigating nerve pain, stress, and movement.
- Acupuncture: In combination with traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been seen to manage nerve pain.
Foot care
If a person is diabetic, he or she would be at risk for foot issues. For this reason, it’s vital to give extra love to feet extra if a person has been suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Below are some things a person can do:
- Feet should be checked on a daily basis.
- They should be washed with warm water regularly and should be dried.
- Toenails should be cut and filed in a straight line.
- A foot health journal should be maintained.
Above all, though living with diabetic neuropathy might indicate including certain modifications in one’s life, it doesn’t indicate that a person must stop carrying out things he or she loves. By incorporating these steps mentioned above, one can be on his or her way to practicing self-care and carrying on living a life one desires.
Complications from Diabetic Neuropathy
Although the condition can’t be reversed, it’s significant to look for diabetic neuropathy treatment to avoid the nerve damage getting deteriorated with time. Due to the vital roles of nerves in the body, this damage may result in some complications if it is left unmanaged.
Few complications include
- Digestive problems: Body organs might be affected by nerve damage, resulting in nausea, vomiting, loose stools, or constipation. When the food movement via gut gets affected, it might bring about poor nutrition and may increase the difficulty to manage the blood sugar levels.
- Sexual dysfunction: Autonomic neuropathy may also have an effect on the sexual organs, resulting in erectile dysfunction in men as well as difficulties during arousal or vaginal lubrication in women. Both sexes might show dysfunction in their capability of getting stimulated.
- Excess or decreased sweating: Sweating is a crucial bodily function that assists in the release of toxins as well as regulation of body temperature. Either an excess or too little sweat might increase the difficulty of functioning and may give rise to problems gradually. Damage to the sweat glands is expected to occur.
- Urinary issues: Nerves play a key role in the working of the bladder and urinary system. Damage of both these nerves leads to loss of ability to identify when the bladder is full, creating poor control over urination.
Proper management of nerve damage is crucial for preventing these or other serious complications.