How to Manage Your Diabetic Neuropathy and Better Thrive

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and serious side effect of diabetes. Since November is National Diabetes Month, there’s no better time to consider treatment options if you’re one of the 20 million Americans with the condition.

At Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating diabetic neuropathy. Here, we explain why diabetic neuropathy occurs and provide tips for preventing it from worsening.

Understanding diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by untreated diabetes. Researchers don’t know exactly why it occurs. However, abnormally high blood sugar levels are thought to damage the nerves and prevent them from sending nerve signals to the brain. Diabetes also affects circulation, weakening the blood vessels that supply the nerves with nutrient and oxygen-rich blood.

Four tips for managing diabetic neuropathy

About 50% of people with diabetes develop neuropathy. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk and prevent the condition from worsening. Here are four strategies for getting started:

1. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

Consistently high blood sugar is one of the main reasons diabetic neuropathy worsens. Eating a balanced diet that prevents blood sugar spikes can reduce the risk of further nerve damage and support nerve function.

Ask us for recommendations! As a general rule, it’s good to eat meals featuring: 

• Fruits 
• Vegetables 
• Lean protein 
• Whole grains 
• Healthy fats 

Avoid junk food because these items are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and saturated fat.

2. Exercise regularly

You know that moving your body is good for your heart and metabolism, but did you also know it can also benefit your nerves? Working out increases blood flow throughout your body, reduces neuropathic pain, and improves mobility.

Don’t feel like you have to join a gym or overexert yourself to benefit. Aim to get 150 minutes of exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of exercise Monday through Friday. Whether that means walking, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class, the benefits are the same — lower blood sugar and less nerve damage.

3. Inspect your feet daily

Diabetic neuropathy usually affects the nerves in the legs and feet first. Unfortunately, if these nerves don’t function well, you can injure yourself and not realize it. 

Enter the daily foot inspection. Setting aside a few minutes each morning to look at your feet can catch problems and prevent them from worsening.

Here’s how to do a foot inspection: 

First, examine the tops, bottoms, and sides of your feet for cracks, wounds, and skin discoloration. 

Next, look between each of your toes. 

Last, check your toenails for any changes. If they’re getting long, trim them straight across while you’re at it.

Including a foot inspection in your morning routine can prevent cuts and scrapes from getting infected and support your body’s healing process.

4. Take your diabetes medication as prescribed

After a diabetes diagnosis, your doctor might recommend a prescription medication or nutritional supplement. 

Taking these medications and supplements at the recommended intervals and proper dosages can significantly reduce your risk of diabetic neuropathy. One study in International Immunopharmacology found that people who took metformin after a diabetes diagnosis had less inflammation and a reduced risk of nerve damage.

We can help you manage diabetic neuropathy

Learning you have diabetic neuropathy can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to progress. You can lower your blood sugar and prevent further nerve damage by taking simple steps to improve your health.

Our caring team regularly helps patients manage diabetic neuropathy. Schedule an evaluation today through online booking or by calling Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC.