5 Things You Need to Know About Diabetic Foot Neuropathy

1. It Comes from High Blood Sugar

Diabetic neuropathy can attack any place on the body, but the extremities, like the feet and hands, seem to be the most often hit. Diabetic neuropathy is particularly dangerous when the feet are the target for the degeneration. If numbness is one of the symptoms, you can get injured without even knowing it. A foot injury is a great breeding ground for infection.

2. Do I Have it and Just Don't Know it?

The onset of diabetic neuropathy in the feet may include several symptoms. Pain or a tingling feeling in your feet are two symptoms that your feet may be in trouble. There can also be a burning upon light touch. This is a very obvious pain that sends most people to the doctor. Numbness is one of the most deadly problems that occur in diabetic foot neuropathy. The numbness does not allow you to feel pain. Pain is one important sensor that tells you something is wrong. Without it, serious sores, cuts and blisters can form and become infected.

3. Avoid Complications of Foot Neuropathy

Use all possible methods of good foot care if you suffer the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Keep them clean at all times and even soak them. Apply moisturizers to keep the feet soft and pliable. Trim the toenails appropriately and get a regular pedicure. Go to the podiatrist on a regular basis to check for foot problems. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Check your feet meticulously for sore and abrasions to avoid infections that complicate diabetic neuropathy.

4. Why is it Important to Avoid Cuts?

It is more difficult for a diabetic, particularly those with foot neuropathy, to heal than it is for the average person. Unattended sores are ripe areas that invite infection. Due to the slow process of healing for the diabetic, uncontrolled infection and the loss of the foot is a big possibility. Give immediate attention to any injury to your feet, no matter how small.

5. Coming Soon

New studies look for ways to reverse the damage done to the nerves and vessel that cause the foot neuropathy. Some hopeful studies found ways to restore motor functions to rodents by using SHh, the sonic hedgehog protein. Regardless of the advancements in research, you still need to keep a good diet, take your insulin and other medication regularly, exercise and quit smoking and drinking.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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