11 Dec 3 Tips to Delay Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that affects nerves and causes pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. There can be several factors responsible for this condition. However, the leading cause is diabetes. Also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the condition often affects the nerves in the legs and feet, followed by arms and hands.
Neuropathy pain doesn’t arise overnight. For most people, it gradually develops after a prolonged period of living with diabetes, and worsens with time, even with good management. While nerve damage can’t be reversed, patients can delay peripheral neuropathy with the following measures.
Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring
Routine blood glucose monitoring allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or insulin levels. Taking a hemoglobin A1c test can help you understand your body’s average blood glucose levels in the last 3 months.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is vital to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. You should avoid foods with high sugar levels and maintain the right calorie count. Patients with diabetes should –
- Eat fruits with high amounts of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep blood sugars steady
- Avoid coffee, sweetened drinks, snacks, candy bars, and processed foods that contain highly refined carbohydrates and sugars
- Eat healthy fat foods like nuts, oily fish, low-fat dairy products, avocados, and lean
- Avoid manufactured oils that may contain high levels of triglycerides
- Include veggies and plant-based proteins (like tofu, beans) in your diet
Exercise
Exercise helps to reduce blood glucose level and control it. Exercise heightens the body’s insulin sensitivity, so the need to administer insulin to process carbohydrates reduces. Exercise5 times a week, 30 minutes every day. Including weight training and aerobic activity in your workout can also be beneficial.
Blood glucose management can delay and even avoid neuropathy in diabetics. Ask your pain doctor about how you can effectively avoid developing peripheral neuropathy and manage it, if it has already developed.