Does Losing Weight Help Diabetes
In almost all cases, yes! Weight loss — or even just weight maintenance — is key to blood glucose control and helps you feel better.
This is because weight loss almost always comes in the form of body fat burning, which is a huge part of our recommended strategies of diabetes care.
The only time it doesn’t help diabetes remission is when weight loss comes through unhealthy methods, like dangerous levels of fasting or extreme weight loss drugs. So always make sure that losing weight isn’t coming at the expense of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Treated
Diabetic neuropathy treatment involves carefully managing your blood sugar. Controlling diabetes is the most important step to prevent nerve damage from getting worse. You can control your blood sugar through:
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Taking all diabetes medications as prescribed.
You may manage diabetic neuropathy symptoms with:
- Pain medicines, including topical creams or patches.
- Other medications can reduce pain.
You should also check your feet daily for wounds or injuries. Foot wounds can contribute to foot and skin complications of diabetes.
The Best Diabetic Socks In North America
Aside from the lifestyle changes mentioned above, its also important to keep an eye on your feet and legs, as these are the areas that diabetic neuropathy is most likely to affect. Check your feet often for wounds, practice good foot hygiene, and invest in protective garments such as diabetic socks.
Can diabetic peripheral neuropathy be reversed? No, but that doesnt mean that you cant take steps to mitigate pain and prevent the condition from worsening. Here at Viasox, we understand that effective diabetic pain management can make a world of difference to our clients. To that end, weve worked hard to develop a line of compression socks and non-binding diabetic socks to help you protect and care for your feet in style. We make it easier than ever to find high-quality diabetic socks online. Visit us online today to choose from an array of patterns, sizes, and sock styles, and find the pair thats best for you.
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Diabetic Nerve Damage Symptoms
Though the exact cause or causes of neuropathy is unclear, researchers believe nerve damage is mainly the result of levels over long periods of time . The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had for at least 25 years. Diabetic nerve damage symptoms include:
- Numbness, , or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms and fingers
- Wasting of the muscles of the feet or hands
- or faintness due to a drop in blood pressure after standing or sitting up
- Problems with urination
Causes Of Diabetic Neuropathy
There are certain diabetic neuropathy causes that may seem obvious, such as, having a long standing history of high uncontrolled blood sugar levels. But other causes like having high cholesterol levels in the blood also play a big role in developing diabetic neuropathy. As well as high blood pressure levels. All these things can lead to serious, permanent damage of the nerves greatly affecting the ability for diabetic neuropathy to be reversed.
Therefore the main causes of diabetic neuropathy are:
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Can You Reverse Diabetes And Neuropathy
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The burning question: can diabetes be reversed? The answer to this is not so straightforward. Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition that attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, cannot be reversed. But it can be controlled through lifestyle changes.
However, diabetes type 2 can be reversed through changes to your diet, exercise, and other strategies like intermittent fasting.
In this article, we’ll explore a few of the differences between these two, and share an inspiring story from the Mastering Diabetes community of reversing type 2 diabetes AND neuropathy!
What Are The Best Medications For Diabetic Neuropathy
The pain of diabetic neuropathy can sometimes be managed with certain medications. Certain prescription antidepressants and antiseizure medications have been shown to be effective in relieving pain that originates in the nerves.
For example:
- Duloxetine is an antidepressant that can relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy in some people. The tricyclic antidepressant drugs, including nortriptyline and desipramine , have also been used for this purpose.
- Anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin , carbamazepine , and pregabalin are drugs that can also work to relieve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy.
In severe cases, opioid analgesic medications may be needed.
Other kinds of treatment for nerve pain include patches containing the topical anesthetic agent lidocaine. Capsaicin cream is an over-the-counter topical agent that has been shown to relieve nerve pain.
Medications can also help manage the troublesome symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. For example, antispasmodic or anticholinergic drugs can help prevent urinary incontinence. Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction like sildenafil , tadalafil , and vardenafil may help some men with ED due to diabetic neuropathy. For women, vaginal estrogen creams and lubricants may provide relief of vaginal dryness and irritation.
Botulinum toxin injections have been used to treat abnormal sweating.
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Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed
Modern eye surgery has come a long way in the past few decades. While there are advanced treatments available for retinopathy today, there still isnt a cure. The treatments focus on slowing or stopping the progression of the disease to preserve the vision you have left.
The ability of your eye surgeon to treat retinopathy symptoms relies on two things: early detection and early intervention. If you wait until your symptoms are severe to get your eyes examined, there may not be much they can do to help. If you get regular check-ups and visit any time theres a significant change in your vision, though, they may be able to stop your symptoms from getting worse.
Infection In Legs And Feet
Nerves in the legs and feet are often most affected by neuropathy. This can cause you to lose sensation to your feet and legs. Sores and cuts can go unnoticed and lead to infections.
In some extreme cases, infections can become severe and lead to ulcers. Over time, this can cause irreparable damage to the soft tissue and lead to the loss of toes or even your foot.
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Providing Comprehensive Neuropathy Care
Were proud to be the only preferred provider of Neurogenx in Ohio, and have seen it produce amazing results for our patients.
But its still just one part of a comprehensive approach to neuropathyand we can help you with that, too. From diet and exercise plans, to therapeutic footwear, to managing underlying conditions such as diabetes, we partner with our patients along every step of the journey.
If you want to not just manage your neuropathy, and not just slow its progression, but actually reverse it, keep it away, and regain at least a portion of your former lifestyle, we are going to give you the best possible chance of getting there.
To learn more or to schedule your appointment with Sunshein Podiatry Associates, please call our office today at 435-7477. You can also take advantage of our online request form to have a member of our staff reach out to you.
There’s No Cure For Diabetic Neuropathy
Repairing damaged nerves depends on the cause of the nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy caused by vitamin deficiency can sometimes be reversed with vitamin therapy. Nerve damage caused by alcohol abuse can also be improved with an alcohol-free lifestyle. Cut or damaged nerves from injuries can be repaired surgically.
But when neuropathy is caused by diabetes and high blood sugar levels, the nerves cant regenerate themselves. As of today, theres no cure for diabetic neuropathy.
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Medication For Diabetic Neuropathy
While medication wont necessarily work for everyone, many prescription medications can be used to manage the pain that comes with diabetic neuropathy.
Of course, the type of medication youre prescribed will depend on several factors, including the part of your body affected by diabetic neuropathy.
For instance, according to Vettleson, there are currently four FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for the pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: pregabalin , duloxetine , tapentadol , and, most recently approved, a topical capsaicin patch .
Other pharmacological therapies used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy include amitriptyline , gabapentin , and other types of opioids, adds Vettleson. However, Goldoor notes that, while opioids may still be routinely prescribed in this context, theyre not included in the ADAs 2022 Clinical Update of medication classes for pain management of diabetic neuropathy.
Why Does Nerve Damage Occur
In general, the longer you have diabetes and the older you are the higher your risk of nerve damage. But, studies have also shown that nerve damage is more common when a diabetic is unable or unwilling to control their blood sugar level.
The reason for this is simple:
- High glucose levels in the blood, combined with a slow metabolism and high fat levels prevent the nerves from receiving the nutrients they need. This damages them and causes nerve pain, or neuropathy.
- Inflammation, caused by illness and other factors can damage the nerves. Diabetics are more susceptible to this.
- Your genes can also make it more likely that your nerves will become damaged.
- Smoking, alcohol and excessive eating are all triggers for nerve damage again the nerves are not getting the nutrients they need.
At a base level, diabetes prevents your body from working properly and restricts the nutrients available to the nerves. Without oxygen and nutrients any part of your body will be damaged and, ultimately, die.
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Diabetic Neuropathy Cannot Always Be Reversed
Although I was lucky, the fact is that many cases of diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed. After many years of exposure to high blood glucose, the nerves are damaged and simply do not respond. Doctors are hard pressed to explain why this is. As mentioned, the exact triggers and mechanisms of neuropathy are not well understood at this time.
If you experience the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is critical that you get your blood glucose level under control. Monitor it daily and take oral diabetes medication if needed. Even if your symptoms cant be reversed, you may be able to prevent the symptoms from spreading to other areas of your body.
See your doctor to get medications and prescriptions which can help to alleviate the pain. Unfortunately, most commonly prescribed medications are only moderately effective at reducing the pain associated with neuropathy. By all means, get treatment immediately and dont delay.
How Is It Treated
In terms of treatment, the first thing to be recommended will be to keep your blood sugar under control. The more your blood sugar stays within the normal range, the less risk there is of further nerve damage.
Your doctor may also prescribe a change of diet, increased exercise, as well as certain types of medication in order to mitigate and slow down the symptoms of nerve damage.
For diabetic patients, it is important that you regularly consult your physician and monitor your condition. Overlooking your symptoms and not having it immediately treated can lead to more serious complications that may affect more body functions.
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Ways To Improve Your Lifestyle Today
What can you do RIGHT now to make changes to your health for a bright and vibrant future? Begin by working on changing your lifestyle choices today in the following manner:
1) Make the right diet choices
2) Maintain a healthy weight
3) Exercise regularly
4) Avoid or quit smoking
5) Get enough sleep
6) Manage your stress
Incorporating one of the above listed lifestyle changes into your daily routine can make a huge difference in your life. And perhaps even lead to reversed diabetic neuropathy or atleast better management of the disease.
If you are interested in lowering your blood sugar and reversing your diabetes by losing weight, then be sure to check out our book SMART & Skinny Habits. We designed this program to help diabetics not only lose weight but REVERSE their diabetic symptoms.
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Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed All You Need To Know
Both types of Diabetes mellitus are often associated with other serious health concerns.
These comorbid conditions can take the form of nerve damage, wounds that wont heal, and organ failure, just to name a few. Theyre also present more often than not a recent study found that of type II diabetic adults, 97.5% have one or more comorbid disease and 88.5% had two or more.
One comorbid condition that fewer people are familiar with is diabetic eye damage, known as retinopathy. Left untreated, this condition can progress into partial or total blindness.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed, and how does it affect your vision and eye health long-term? If youre wondering if theres hope for your diabetic vision loss, read on for the answers to those questions and more.
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E Wear Protective Footwear Including The Right Socks Regularly Throughout The Week
The activity that youre doing should correspond with the appropriate shoes, for example, if you are walking outdoors you should wear fitted but not tight closed shoes/sneakers. And if you are at home, you could get away with letting your feet breathe a little by forgoing socks or wearing ones that arent tight.
Is Numbness In The Feet Curable
If an accident has resulted in numbness or discomfort, remaining off your feet may aid in the healing process without causing more harm. Ice. Icing the afflicted region may help alleviate both numbness and discomfort in some circumstances, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome or traumas. Keep an ice pack in place for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
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Lifestyle Changes Make A Difference: How You Can Work To Halt Or Reverse Diabetic Neuropathy
Managing pain from diabetic neuropathy may seem like a daunting task, but the first step in this process is to have a treatment and pain management plan.
While it may not be possible to reverse diabetic neuropathy completely, there are many different things you can do to help manage this condition so that you can enjoy a high quality of life. For those diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, one of the most significant things you can do is make positive lifestyle changes. The following management options are ideal for both men and women living with diabetes.
Shoes For Diabetic Neuropathy
When living with diabetic neuropathy, wearing appropriate footwear is essential. Diabetic shoes are professionally designed to alleviate foot pain and prevent complications from neuropathy. Theyre non-binding with a protective interior that puts no pressure point on your feet. They provide extra support and promote pain-free motion. Neuropathy socks can also be a great addition if you suffer from neuropathy in the feet. Theyre designed with a loose fit to help promote blood circulation. Theyre usually seamless to prevent blisters and frictions, and are crafted in moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet in a dry and healthy environment.
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Talk To A Neurologist For Help With Your Pain
Whether youve been struggling with neuropathy for a long time or are just starting to notice symptoms, a neurologist can help.
To learn about your options, call or at an office in Brandon or Zephyrhills. The sooner you talk to a doctor, the better chance you have of controlling your pain and preventing it from getting worse.
Making The Right Dietary Choices
A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can boost overall well-being and help keep blood sugar down.
Choosing healthful fats: Nuts, avocados, oily fish, vegetable oils, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and poultry products contain fats that can benefit the bodys cells.
However, high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat, in the bloodstream can increase the risk of nerve damage, according to NIDDK. Manufactured or added fats, especially trans fats, can increase levels of triglycerides and the risk of having high cholesterol and obesity.
Avoiding excess sugars: Highly refined carbohydrates and sugars, including fructose sweeteners, can cause sharp, sudden spikes and dips in blood glucose. Avoiding these highs and lows is key to managing blood sugar and preventing further nerve damage.
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What Are The Complications Of Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can challenge your balance. Nerve pain may make it hard to walk or even sit still comfortably. Nerve damage may mean you donât notice foot injury right away.
For people with diabetes, foot and leg wounds need treatment right away. Diabetes can cause or worsen problems such as peripheral artery disease . Without treatment, PAD can lead to amputations.
Topical Nerve Pain Relievers
Relieving nerve pain from diabetic neuropathy is most often achieved by local application of topical creams, gels, and lotions. Creams containing capsaicin or lidocaine have proven to work great. CBD-infused pain creams are also reported to have strong nerve pain relief effects. Some patients manage to ease the pain with cooling creams containing menthol crystals too.
You might have to try several neuropathy creams out to see which works best for you. In any case, if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, always ask for your doctors advice before applying any lotion on your feet.
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