Diabetic Neuropathy
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Nerve damage that happens to men and women with diabetes.
It can feel like tingling, pain, loss of feeling, or numbness
is different parts of the body. Most commonly it effects
the feet, but it can also effect other nerves, the skin,
blood vessels, the heart, bowel, bladder, or genitals- making
it difficult for men to have erections.
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
Over time High Blood Sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves.
What can I do to keep from getting diabetic neuropathy?
- Learn as much as you can about Diabetes and how to control
the disease. Work with your doctor to set goals, such
as better blood sugar control and getting more exercise.
- Keep your blood sugar levels within your goal.
- Learn how healthy diet and exercise can lower your blood sugar
levels.
- If you have high blood pressure or a high cholesterol level,
take your medicine. Tell your doctor if cannot take your
medicine in the way they are prescribed.
- If you are overweight, ask your doctor what you can do to
lose your weight.
- Do not use alcohol or tobacco.
- Keep a list of all medicines, supplements, and herbal products
that you take, how much , and how often.
- If you take Insulin, keep a record of what type, how much,
and when you take it.
- Write down your home blood sugar levels. Also keep track
of what upsets your blood sugar levels like certain foods, medicines,
or illnesses.
- Bring your medicine list, blood sugar record, and insulin
record when you see your doctor.
What will happen if the nerves in my legs and feet are damaged?
If there is nerve damage, you may not be able to feel an injury
to your legs and feet. You may also have tingling and pain.
Your muscles may become weaker and smaller. You may have
trouble walking. The skin on your feet may get dry and cracked.
You may get sores on your feet. Diabetes makes sores hard
to heal.
What can I do to prevent foot problems from diabetic neuropathy?
It is important to keep tight control of your blood sugar levels.
You also need to keep feet healthy.
- Check your Feet and Shoes Daily. Have your doctor check
your feet at least yearly, too. Look for worn linings,
gravel, anything that could hurt your feet. Check your
socks for blood or tears. See your doctor immediately
if you have redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
- Take Good Care of your Feet. Wash in them in
lukewarm water every day, Dry your feet well, especially between
your toes, use a soft towel and do not rub. Keep the skin
soft and smooth by applying lotion. If your feet sweat
easily dust them with a non medicated powder, ie baby powder.
Keep your toes trimmed correctly. If necessary see a podiatrist.
Wear cotton socks. Change your socks daily.
- Choose your Shoes Carefully. The best shoes have
a wide toe and a good arch. In this area Knott's shoes
at ST Matthews Mall has many good selections. Try on shoes
at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen.
Break in new shoes carefully. Wear the shoes for 1-2 hours.
Then check your feet for red spots. Do not wear the shoes
again until the red spots are gone. Slowly break in the
new shoes by wearing them one hour longer each day every three
days.
- Avoid Things That are Bad for Your Feet. Do not walk
barefoot. Do not wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with
inside seams, or socks with an elastic band or garters at the
top. Do not put hot water, electric blankets, or heating
pads on your feet. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, iodine,
or astringents such as rubbing alcohol or witch hazel on your
feet.
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