What's diabetic neuropathy, and what can you do about it? ► ► FREE BOOK + COOKBOOK + DOCUMENTARY: https://www.diabetessmarts.com/go/superfoods ► ► JOIN DIABETES SMARTS: https://diabetessmarts.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- We want to keep making informative research-based videos for you. So if you got value from this video and would like more of it, you can send us a 'Super Thanks' by clicking the Thanks button at the bottom of the video. We would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! :) ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Type 1 and type 2 diabetics may experience several different forms of neuropathy, including 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.
2) 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.
3) High blood pressure has been shown to increase the risk of neuropathy. So first try weight management. 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.
4) To further improve your blood pressure, you can try intermittent fasting, regular physical activity, and even simply drink more 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.
5) You can also reduce your risk of neuropathy by improving your HbA1c scores. So ditch high glycemic foods, like starchy breads or pastas, cereals, sodas, crackers, baked goods, or sugar-laden dessert treats. Instead, try 100% whole grain products, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and healthy sources of fat and protein.
6) The American Diabetes Association also recommends lowering 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. So 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.
7) Since diabetic neuropathy most often affects feet and legs, it’s essential for you to take care of your lower extremities. So doctors recommend that diabetics subscribe to a daily foot care routine.
8) Be sure to check your feet for dry skin or infections, trim your toenails regularly, use lotions, and have professionals check your legs and feet for signs of diabetic neuropathy. Also, try improving blood flow to your legs by utilizing exercise routines like cycling, walking, and swimming.
