Diabetes is complicated enough without having to know the ins and outs of the numerous complications associated with the disease. Learning the facts can be daunting, but education is a key component to understanding, managing and ultimately controlling diabetes and its many complications. <\/p>\n\t\n
A serious complication to understand is diabetic neuropathy which can occur in people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels and typically develops slowly – sometimes over the course of several decades. The frightening part of this complication is that patients may not notice anything is wrong until considerable damage has occurred which is why it\u2019s important to take it seriously. <\/p>\n\t\n
There is no known cure for diabetic neuropathy but it\u2019s progression can be slowed which is why it\u2019s important to know the symptoms to watch for and understand how to prevent its occurrence. <\/p> \n\t\n
There are a wide range of symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy that span from minor to severe. Symptoms can often start with a simple tingling or numbness in the legs and feet but can then escalate into digestive, urinary tract, and circulation issues. Symptoms can be slightly uncomfortable at first but then quickly become painful, debilitating and even life-threatening. \u201cThe American Diabetes Association recommends that screening for diabetic neuropathy begin immediately after someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and five years after diagnosis for someone with type 1 diabetes. After that, screening is recommended annually.\u201d1<\/p>\n\n\n
Diabetic neuropathy is complex and there is more than one type so it\u2019s important to understand the differences and the seriousness of this complication2. <\/p>\n\n
Everyone living with diabetes is susceptible to developing diabetic neuropathy, but different factors put certain patients more at risk than others. Here are a few of the risk factors to monitor closely1: <\/p>\n
Consulting with a physician on a regular basis is important after any diabetes diagnosis. If any of the above-mentioned symptoms are present, a call to the doctor is necessary. Diabetic neuropathy can typically be diagnosed through a physical exam and a few more, specific tests:1<\/p>\n
Diabetic neuropathy complications can be life threatening. Here are some serious complications to watch out for1: <\/p>\n
While there is no known cure for diabetic neuropathy, monitoring blood sugar levels is the best and most effective way to prevent the progression and control it from occurring. Regular checkups with healthcare professionals and careful monitoring of diet are the key to the prevention of diabetic neuropathy. Creating a strong support system is important and the use of resource tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors to track blood glucose levels is the key to controlling diabetes and preventing complications, like diabetes neuropathy and a host of other issues, from occurring if diabetes is left unchecked. <\/p>\n\n
Finding a support system is essential. That is why at Quest Health Solutions we are here for you. It is our mission to provide education to patients, healthcare providers, diabetes educators and anyone else hoping to learn more. To learn more about how Quest Health Solutions can be a part of the solution, contact us at 1-877-888-7050<\/a> Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com <\/a> or schedule an appointment today. <\/p>\n\n\n 1.\t(2020). Mayo Clinic. Diabetic Neuropathy. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 19 March 2021. <\/p>\n\n 2.\t(2018). Healthline. Everything You Should Know About Diabetic Neuropathy. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 19 March 2021. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" DIABETIC NEUROPATHY Diabetes is complicated enough without having to know the ins and outs of the numerous complications associated with the disease. Learning the facts can be daunting, but education is a key component to understanding, managing and ultimately controlling diabetes and its many complications. A serious complication to understand is diabetic neuropathy which can … <\/p>\n
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