Diabetic Neuropathy: 6月 2012

2012年6月30日星期六

Surgery for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetics are plagued with multiple complications secondary to uncontrolled, high levels of blood glucose. In my practice, I see diabetics who suffer from kidney disease, failing eye sight, and cardiovascular issues. The most noted complication is peripheral neuropathy. This is a progressive disease of the nerves in your feet and possibly the hands. Many treatments for neuropathy have been very unpromising, but new developments in surgical procedures may give patients hope.

It is believed that the some nerves in diabetic patients swell and increase in size secondary to increase water content. The nerves in your feet travel from your spinal cord all the way down to the feet. They curve around boney structures and dive through muscles and fat and run along course with arteries and veins. As the nerve enlarges it takes up more space and potentially gets compressed.

Much like carpel tunnel, a compressed nerve can cause numbness, burning, and pain. This pain is very similar to the pain experience by diabetics in peripheral neuropathy. A number of doctors have suggested that some diabetics have compressed nerves rather than permanently damaged nerves as previously perceived. Much of the research done on this concept is still very immature. Yet, many diabetics are undergoing surgery and experiencing a reduction in pain and an increase in sensation.

It is important to note that not all diabetics with peripheral neuropathy will have a successful procedure. It is very difficult to prove the pain or numbness is secondary to compressed nerves. Since it is a surgical procedure and there is always risk when undergoing anesthesia, not all diabetics will be recommended to undergo such surgical procedures.

There are also very few surgeons across the country you have been formally trained to perform nerve decompressive surgery for diabetic compressive neuropathy. The procedure has not been widely accepted at all institutions since the concept is so new. There has been a significant amount of research done on the surgical procedure, but the studies failed to established enough evidence to be widely accepted by the medical community.

For some patients, such surgical procedures may be acceptable and necessary to achieve relief. Unfortunately, these procedures are not indicated for all diabetics who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It is important you understand the potential risks and benefits in considering such surgery. Not all patients find relief and some complication to surgery are increase of pain, decrease in sensations, infection and poor wound healing.

There has yet to be an accepted cure for diabetic neuropathy. The best treatment is to tightly control your diabetes and prevent the disease from progressing. Patients often find it necessary to be on one or several medication to help decrease the symptoms. Vitamin supplements and physical therapy modalities have also been suggested for treatment protocols.

Peter Wishnie, DPM is a top rated NJ podiatrist with offices in Piscataway and Hillsborough, NJ.

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Diabetic Neuropathy and Your Feet

Diabetes may cause diabetic neuropathy, which is neurological impairment. When somebody has got diabetes they are a lot more inclined to developing foot issues. Diabetic neuropathy can lead you to be less able to feel damage or pressure in the feet. You'll perhaps not even detect any foot issues until infections or significant damage happens.

Diabetes alters the body's capability to fight contagions. Injury to the blood vessels, attributable to diabetes, signifies that a reduced level of blood together with oxygen is flowing to ones feet. Because of this, small breaks, cracks or sores on your skin may evolve into skin ulcers. The affected limb may need to be amputated if it turns out the skin ulcers become more prominent or travel deeper into the skin.

To prevent these particular complications, one needs to:

Cease smoking, being as how it restricts the flow of blood.

Handle their bloodstream glucose levels.

Get their feet checked twice a year by their health care provider to find out if they have got any kind of nerve injury.

Assess their feet on a daily basis, particularly when they know for sure that they have neural harm.

Daily Foot Care

Examine the feet and also the toes on a daily basis. Meticulously check the bottoms, sides and tops of the feet and in addition between the toes.

Wash the feet and toes everyday with tepid water plus a mild soap. Powerful soap may injure the skin.

Check the water temperature with your elbow or fingers just before positioning your feet in hot water. Thanks to diabetic neuropathy, you might well be not able to notice the water's warmth, which in turn may bring about burns if it happens to be excessively hot.

Gently and totally dry your feet, particularly in between the toes as infections may foster in damp areas.

Ones feet might get very dried up and can even break, possibly bringing about infection. Subsequent to cleansing the feet, soften dried-up skin by making use of lotion, oil, petroleum jelly or lanolin. But, do not place lotion in between the toes.

Ask your physician if you are able to clip the toenails. If it is okay to do it ask your physician to show the right method of doing it. If your toenails aren't trimmed properly you may produce a sore or ulcer.

Bathe the toes in lukewarm water to make the toenails more supple right before trimming.

Clip the toenail right across, on account of the simple fact that curled toenails can usually come to be ingrown.

In addition, keep from sitting with the legs crossed as well as standing in the same position for a long time.

Recommendations About Socks and Footwear

Use footwear frequently to shield your feet from wounds. Due to diabetic neuropathy the capability to feel pain might be diminished, so you might not be conscious of small cuts or chafes.

Look at the inner linings of the shoes for rough regions or defective places which could cause extra pressure and also irritation.

Change or maybe briefly remove the footwear around 5 hours after putting them on every day. This practice alters the pressure points during the course of the day.

The style of footwear you make use of is highly important, if you have got diabetes.

Use comfy, well-fitted footwear that have satisfactory space on the inside of them. Don't think of buying shoes which is not going to fit properly, hopeful that the footwear could stretch as time marches on.

Diabetic neuropathy can stop you from sensing pressure from wrongly fitted footwear. You could potentially need to have special shoes produced to fit the feet.

Wear footwear composed of suede, natural leather or canvas. Do not use shoes made of plastic and any other materials that don't breathe. By no means wear thong sandals.

You should not wear shoes that has pointed or open toes, for example flip-flops, sandals or high heel shoes.

Socks could give you a further protective layer between the footwear and the feet.

Use completely dry and clean socks or maybe nonbinding panty hose each and every day.

Never wear stockings that have seams that sometimes may result in pressure points.

Use socks in bed if your feet get to be cold. In chilly climates, utilize warm stockings but also minimize your exposure to cold conditions in an attempt to prevent frostbite.

Further Helpful Tips

Do not use antiseptic items on the feet since they can burn or harm the skin.

Do not use an electrical heating pad as well as a hot water bottle on your feet. Additionally, stay clear of hot asphalt and also hot sandy beaches.

Never treat corns or calluses by applying non-prescription remedies. See your foot doctor to address foot concerns.

If being obese prevents you from physically having the capability in checking out your feet turn to a relative, chum, or health professional to do this critical inspection.

Report all blisters, cuts, skin lesions, sores or regions of redness to your doctor straight away!

Suitable foot care is extremely critical for individuals impacted by diabetic neuropathy because they are at risk to foot complications for instance:

Loss of feeling in their feet.

Alterations in the shapes of the feet.

Foot ulcers or sores that do not mend.

Basic daily foot care can prevent severe consequences.

Do you have any of the symptoms of diabetes? Early detection is the key to avoiding serious complications like diabetic neuropathy.

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What Is Diabetic Neuropathy Exactly?

Diabetic Neuropathy is a common complication of Diabetes Mellitus. It usually includes micro vascular injury to the small blood vessels leading to your nerves. Other side effects of Diabetic Neuropathy are not as uncommon.

One of the greatest complications of diabetic neuropathy concerns morbidity and mortality in the diabetic. This neuropathy has a rate of 20% in traumatic and 50-75% non-traumatic amputations. The greatest risk for diabetes mellitus patients is glycemic control. In most patients who controlled their glycogen levels, the risk of diabetes neuropathy was smaller. Those who did not control their insulin levels were at a higher risk. Other risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, age, and obesity.

Micro vascular disease is the term used to explain the constriction of blood vessels from diabetes mellitus. This causes the blood vessels to slow down the amount of blood passing through the veins. Basically, less blood flows to the nerves which cause problems with circulation leading to amputation of a limb.

Keeping glucose in its metabolized state is what helps keep diabetes neuropathy from occurring. When glucose levels are too high it will cause a chemical reaction in the body that uses up compounds that may be needed to inhibit diabetes neuropathy. Medications are available which may help this.

There are several reasons the eyes, kidneys, and nerves are damaged by diabetes neuropathy. When blood does not process glucose properly, it may turn into a form of glucose that is unusable to these organs. It actually stresses the organs and does not allow the energy producing glucose to pass the cell wall barrier. This is what causes nerve, eye or kidney damage among diabetics.

Some of the effects of diabetic neuropathy are: a loss of feeling in a part of the body, numbness or tingling, bowel upset, impotence, loss of bladder control, drooping facial parts, dizziness, vision changes, speech impairment, even trouble swallowing and or muscle contraction. These difficulties are all related to the nerve damage done by diabetes neuropathy.

The reasons for these afflictions in the diabetic neuropathy patient are poorly understood at this time. Treatment may be available for some of the associated difficulties of diabetes neuropathy but for the most part there is no cure and the disease is progressive. Often amputation of limbs or soft tissue that has received a loss of blood supply and can no longer heal or fight infection is necessary. Diabetes neuropathy is being studied on a continual basis so hope for relief is available.

For more info about Diabetic Neuropathy?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-diabetics.info/Articles/Diabetic_Neuropathy.php

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2012年6月29日星期五

Type 2 Diabetes - Vitamin D and Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of Type 2 diabetes, is the term used for a broad range of problems that can come from diabetes-related nerve damage. The most common form is "peripheral neuropathy". The symptoms usually affect the feet. You may have a "pins and needles" sensation, a burning pain or numbness. Actually the pain of neuropathy often gets off to a slow start. At first you may find a tingle in one of your toes, and as it works its way up your calves and legs, it becomes more painful.

According to the National Institute of Health in the United States, diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage:

affects 60 to 70 per cent of diabetics,
is particularly prevalent in those who have had diabetes for 25 years or more,
affects diabetics who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar,
are overweight,
have high blood pressure, or
who have too much fat in their blood.

According to a study published in July 2011 in the journal Diabetic Medicine, having too little vitamin D could be another risk factor.

The Study: This study was undertaken at the Medical University of South Carolina in the United States. Adults over 40 years of age with diagnosed diabetes were recruited from the 2001 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These diabetics were questioned about whether they suffered from pain, numbness or tingling in their hands or feet,

A monofilament test was administered. The monofilament test consists of touching the patient's hands and feet to determine whether he or she can feel light touch.

Blood vitamin D levels were measured and compared with the degree of neuropathy present:

half the participants reported feeling pain or numbness in their hands or feet,
37 per cent reported pain or tingling in their hands or feet, and
38 per cent reported numbness in their hands or feet.

Eight per cent had significant loss of sensation as shown by the monofilament test.

Vitamin D deficiency: Those with vitamin D deficiency had more than twice the risk of having neuropathy compared to those with healthy levels of vitamin D. It was therefore concluded vitamin D deficiency was associated with symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Having your foot or hand "go to sleep" is an unpleasant sensation and makes it difficult to walk, or to use your hands. None of us would care to deal with that kind of sensation permanently. Making sure that we get adequate amounts of vitamin D through:

short periods of exposure to sunlight,
consuming foods such as fortified orange juice, soy milk, cereal or certain kinds of mushrooms, or
supplement form,

can possibly protect against diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin D also helps you absorb calcium, which postpones osteoporosis and helps to maintain your blood pressure. This powerful antioxidant also increases insulin sensitivity by up to 60 per cent... that's even better than the number one Type 2 diabetes drug used, metformin. The best form of vitamin D to take is vitamin D3.

Established ways of preventing diabetic neuropathy include regular exercise, following a sensible diet, keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control, and normalizing weight. While lowering your blood sugar levels will eventually help reduce your pain and may even help to reverse severe damage that will be irreversible, this will take time.

Here is a tip to help ease the burning pain experienced by neuropathy: it doesn't happen overnight... it may take a couple of weeks to be fully effective...

you can buy products containing the ingredient capsaicin from your pharmacy.

Topical creams and patches containing capsaicin work by numbing nerve endings so you don't feel the pain.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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What Are The Signs Of Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by poor blood circulation that is a consequence of diabetes. This means that any nerve within the body can be damaged and lead to a malfunction of that nerve or group of nerves. As nerves and the nervous system control and regulate many of the bodies vital organs and everyday functions this means that signs of diabetic neuropathy can manifest anywhere in the body. This article will pinpoint common symptoms and highlight ways to prevent and treat diabetic Neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy is classified into four types. The types commonly describe the nerves affected and their related body areas.

Peripheral Neuropathy concerns the extremities of the body - the feet, hands, legs and arms.

Autonomic Neuropathy applies to the autonomic nervous system which controls the everyday functioning of the heart, stomach, urinary tract and other body functions.

Proximal neuropathy concerns the thighs, buttocks and hips.

Focal neuropathy is concerned with specific nerves or groups of nerves that appear to 'flare up' suddenly causing pain. Focal neuropathy can occur anywhere in the body and effectively means focused or specific nerve problems.

Each of these types of neuropathy have different signs.

The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy and primarily concerns the feet and hands. Common signs of diabetic neuropathy in the feet are numbness or insensitivity to pain. If your feet are constantly feeling 'pins and needles' then you should see a doctor.

The feet are also more prone to cuts, bruises and infections because the nerves do not communicate damage or pain to the body. Careful monitoring and care of the feet is a must for diabetics.

Hands are not as prone to nerve damage problems as feet because they are often uncovered and are easier to monitor and care for but they can still be susceptible to cuts and bruises and can lose sensitivity.

Autonomic neuropathy commonly causes stomach problems. This could mean that food is not processed effectively which may lead to constipation, cramps or bloating. The autonomic nervous system also controls the urinary tract which could lead to urinary tract infections or incontinence.

The autonomic nervous system controls the respiratory and cardiovascular systems too, so problems with blood pressure and circulation can occur however these are often hard to detect for the individual and can be caused by other diseases other than diabetic neuropathy.

Proximal neuropathy applies to the hips, buttocks and legs. Commonly there will be pain in these areas and weakness that may make it hard to move from a sitting position to standing without help. Proximal neuropathy is often a consequence of long term diabetes and other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are likely to exist beforehand.

Focal neuropathy is a sudden bout of pain in a localized area. This is a consequence of a group of nerves malfunctioning. The pain can be anywhere in the body but is often in the head or torso regions. The pain will eventually recede over a few days to weeks.

The best way to treat diabetic neuropathy is to try to prevent it. This means maintaining blood sugar levels at a normal rate as often as possible. The more that the blood sugar level is normal the less chance for it to damage the nerves. This means eating healthy and sugar free foods. It also requires regular exercise. For relief from the pain, doctors will often determine the area affected by the neuropathy and then prescribe the appropriate analgesic.

Eating right and getting regular exercise is the best way to combat diabetic related health complications. For ideas and advice of the best diabetic diet plan and ways to improve your health visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com. Adrian Whittle writes on many diabetic related health issues including diabetic cooking and diabetic testing supplies.

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Stop Diabetic Neuropathy Dead in Its Tracks

America is suffering from a major epidemic - obesity. As a result, diseases such as diabetic neuropathy are prevalent. Did you know that obesity is responsible for 325,000 deaths per year and that Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is weight related. More than 20 million Americans are diabetic. What are the risk factors for getting diabetes and how can we stop diabetic neuropathy dead in its tracks? Listed are several factors contributing to this deadly disease:

1) Being overweight

2) Poor dietary habits

3) Lack of exercise

4) Diets high in sugary and fatty foods

5) Hereditary

6) Ethnicity

Of all of the risk factors listed, we have control over 4 of them! If we watched our diets, we could stop this disease dead in its tracks.

What is diabetes? Diabetes is characterized by an excessive amount of sugar in the blood. Diabetic neuropathy is a disease of the nervous system wherein the nerve cells deteriorate. This happens most commonly in the foot or leg in diabetics. As a result, the foot or leg becomes numb. As the disease of the nervous system progresses, the diabetic loses sensation, which leaves that area of the body susceptible to serious injury. Often times the foot or leg must be amputated.

There is No Cure for Diabetes

To date, there is no cure for diabetes. The last resort to stop diabetes is through medication. Medication for diabetes can range from basic physical therapy, to anti depressants, but the best way is through diet.

While there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, one way we can stop it dead in its tracks is through a diet high in complex carbohydrates. Diets high in complex carbohydrates can help because of the high fiber content in such a diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables keep you fuller longer and the propensity to overeat lessens. You then lose weight. Losing weight is crucial and halting diabetes. Also, the more complex carbohydrates you eat, the less sugar gets in your blood. The best and most important way to stop diabetic neuropathy dead in its tracks is by incorporating good dietary habits.

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Diabetic Neuropathy Causes and Remedies to Help You Ease the Pain

Diabetes neuropathy has caused me pain in my feet for quite some time. Maybe seven or eight months of tingling in my lower extremities has On occasion I had severe pain. Before my condition got worse I started to reverse the tide after seeing an Acupuncturist who pointed me in the right direction. My course of action is something anyone can do. I will share what worked for me later in this article.

Diabetes neuropathy causes and symptoms.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage. Diabetes neuropathy usually appears in your legs and feet. If you have had diabetes for an extended period of time it is likely that you will get neuropathy. Tingling feeling in your limbs will be one of the symptoms of this form of diabetes. Internally, if your organs in your body are disturbed by neurology suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. You may also be ill with sexual problems, dizziness, weakness and urinary concerns.

Diabetic neuropathy has a few different classes.

There are three kinds of diabetic neuropathy, with peripheral neuropathy being the most common. Peripheral reduces capability to sense pain temperature, touch and vibration in distinct areas of your body. If you have peripheral you probably are being affected in the lower parts of your legs and in your feet. Potential problems include ulcers bone and joint defects and infection.

The nerves control the involuntary workings of your body. These include heartbeat, sweating, digestion, urination and some sexual functions. If these are your issues then there may have been some damage to the nerves that control those tasks. Autonomic neuropathy is also very common.

Focal neuropathy affects a single nerve. Usually it is in the foot, thigh or wrist. The single nerve may also affect your eyesight if it is one of the nerves that control eyesight in your back or chest.

Visiting your health care provider would make sense. You may need a neurological examination or an electromyogram (EMG) to determine what is the problem. Knowing what to treat is part of the treatment.

As I told you in the beginning of this article I am informing you of what has been working for me. My diet has changed to one of all raw foods. When I saw a doctor she told me that I would need to be on this diet for approximately six months. So far I have been eating uncooked fruits, vegetables and some nuts for three weeks as of May 5, 2007. I am experiencing relief. My feet feel and look better. There is less pain and less of a tingling feeling in my lower extremities. Hey, I am getting petty good diversifying salads I am making. I will keep you apprised as to how I am doing with my diet and condition.

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2012年6月28日星期四

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

The toes burn and tingle and sharp pains shoot into the legs. The bed sheets feel uncomfortable on your feet and you toss and turn, hoping to drift away into a pleasant slumber. But, the "fire-like" sensation in your toes keeps you awake. You switch positions, wiggle the toes, prop a pillow under the legs, but nothing seems to help. You can only lie in bed and watch the hours on the clock pass by.

Background

Burning, numbness, tingling, hot and cold sensations, shooting and electrical pain are common sensations felt in the feet in individuals with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDN). Neuropathy is an abnormality of the nervous system. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes and is described as a loss of sensation that starts in the tips of the toes and gradually works its way up the legs. Diabetic neuropathy is sometimes referred to as a stocking glove neuropathy because it progresses as if one was pulling on a stocking. Diabetic neuropathy can affect both the hands and the feet.

There are three types of nerves affected in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, sensory, motor and autonomic. Sensory nerves allow people to feel sensation, like pain, hot or cold or touch. Motor nerves control the muscles and allow movement. Autonomic nerves control bodily functions without our awareness or control. In the feet, an autonomic nervous response would be sweating. Neuropathy can affect all of these nerve group types, but sensory nerves are typically the first and most often affected.

Statistics

Almost twenty-one million Americans have diabetes. About sixty to seventy percent of diabetics have some type of nerve damage and about thirty percent of diabetics over forty years of age have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (CDC, 2005). Five percent of diabetics will experience painful diabetic neuropathy and the incidence increases with age. Over forty five percent of individuals who have had diabetes for over twenty five years will experience some symptoms of PDN.

The Cause

The exact cause of diabetic neuropathy is not clearly understood. Many theories exist, but the general school of thought is that high blood sugar causes chemical changes in the nerves and damages blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, impairing nerve function. A not so new theory, which is gaining in popularity is the idea that diabetics are susceptible to nerve compression. The susceptibility is thought to be due to the increased volume of the nerve from the abnormal glucose metabolism within the nerve. In layman's terms this is as if the nerve is swelling and the surrounding tissues and ligaments are pressing on the nerves, resulting in a loss of function.

Treatments

Currently, there are no treatments to reverse diabetic neuropathy and there are no treatments that will eliminate the numbness. There are, however, many treatments to decrease the symptoms associated with PDN.

Medications

There was hope of reversing or significantly improving neuropathy with medications like aldose reductase inhibitors, myoinositol, protein kinase C inhibitors, C-peptide, vasodilators and nerve growth factors. Unfortunately, the research did not show consistent or effective results.

The mainstay of medical treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is to manage the symptoms with medications. For those individuals with painful diabetic neuropathy, prescription medications may be needed to manage the pain. Classic medications used for treatment include amitriptyline, desipramine and nortriptyline. These have been used to help decrease pain and to help with sleep. Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertralene and citalopram tend to be better tolerated, but are also tend to be less effective at relieving pain.

In September of 2004 the FDA approved duloxetine, known as Cymbalta. This was the first drug approved for specifically treating PDN. Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, has been a successful treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy. Originally approved as an anti-seizure drug, it became a popular treatment in painful diabetic neuropathy. There was a controversy surrounding this medication when the manufacturer started marketing this medication to treat PDN, which is an off-label use. Many physicians still use this drug as a treatment. A newer medication has emerged called pregabalin, also known as Lyrica. Pregabalin was FDA approved to treat pain caused by nerve damage and many feel pregabalin is superior in effectiveness and has fewer side effects than neurontin. Tegretol and Dilantin, common seizure medications, can be used in more severe cases.

Therapy

Anodyne infrared therapy uses light energy to increase the circulation to the small vessels in the feet. Diodes are fit into flexible pads which can be applied directly to the skin on multiple areas of the foot. The theory is that light energy helps to increase blood flow which restores function to injured nerves. Initially released in 1994, Anodyne was met with mixed reviews, but has gained in popularity in more recent years. Some studies have shown great results with reduction in pain and relief of overall symptoms of neuropathy. Anodyne has also been used for treatment of diabetic ulcers, with some encouraging results.

Surgical

Nerve decompression has been increasing in popularity in recent years as a treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This surgical treatment was initially not met with much enthusiasm. Earlier studies showed poor surgical results and many surgeons were hesitant to perform elective surgery on diabetics. A new surgical approach has been introduced and surgical success rates have improved dramatically. The theory that diabetics are more susceptible to nerve compression, may warrant decompression of those nerves to give relief of the symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Natural Alternatives

There are numerous natural alternative treatment options for diabetic neuropathy. Many diabetics have had success with their use, but studies have not given consistent results showing their effectiveness. For painful diabetic neuropathy, red pepper powder can help decrease the pain experienced at night. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chile peppers. When applied to the feet it acts as a counter-irritant and can help decrease neuropathic pain. Capsaicin can be purchased at your local drug store. Alpha lipoic acid is an effective anti-oxidant that has been shown in some studies to relieve pain associated with neuropathy. Gamma linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid, typically sold in the form of evening primrose oil. Most of the studies have shown modest results, but the possibilities are still encouraging. Side effects of long term use at higher doses may include inflammation, thrombosis (blood clots), or decreased immune system functioning. It is important to note that even if a product is labeled "natural" it does not necessarily mean that it is safe. Always talk with your physician before beginning any new supplements.

Prevention

As with all diabetic complications, prevention is the best treatment. Keeping the blood sugar levels within a normal range is the most important tool in treating and preventing peripheral neuropathy. Even with tight control, most diabetics will develop some level of neuropathy. Considering the severity of the complications associated with neuropathy (ulcers, infections and amputations), the associated pain in PDN, tight blood sugar control is of the utmost importance. Along with a healthy diet, exercising for 30 minutes each day will also help to increase circulation and stimulate the growth of new vessels, which may help slow the progression of neuropathy.

Treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is very difficult and many of the above mentioned therapies should be tried and combined. Don't expect any "cures" and make sure you give each therapy a chance to work. It is recommended to talk with your physician or podiatrist to discuss these treatment options.

Christine Dobrowolski, DPM is a podiatrist and owner of Northcoast footcare, Inc an online resource for foot care products and foot health information.

To learn more about diabetic foot care and peripheral neuropathy, visit NorthcoastFootcare.com/PDN

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Diabetic Neuropathy - A Serious Complication Of Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that directly impacts the nerves of the body. Individuals who suffer from the complications associated with diabetes often experience neuropathy. Generally, an individual who suffers from diabetes has a sugar level that remains consistently high. As time progresses, it is very likely that these glucose levels will begin to cause damage to the nerves and other areas of the body.

Here, you will learn about this particular form of neuropathy, the symptoms that are involved, as well as the treatment options that are available. If you suffer from this condition, or even suspect that you do, the information contained here may prove to be especially helpful.

This specific condition can be broken down into three further types of neuropathy. These are that which is focal, peripheral, and then autonomic. When it is focal, it means that one single nerve has been damaged. This can be virtually anywhere in the body. However, with diabetics, it is common to see it in the leg and the foot area. Peripheral means that the nerves that are damaged are in the peripheral system of the body. This type of damage is progressive, not immediate. The last type, autonomic, affects this nerve system in the body.

There are a number of symptoms that are associated with neuropathy. The following lists some of the most common associated signs that the nerves have been damaged in one way or another:

o Many individuals who suffer from nerve damage as a result of glucose levels in the body suffer from fluctuating body temperatures. This may result in sweating profusely, being extremely cold, or a unique combination of both.

o.Bladder complications are often quite common when the nerves have received damage. Accidents that involve inappropriate urination may become evident.

o There are a number of people who claim to experience complications with the digestive system. This can range from simple belching to severe vomiting.

o Neuropathy may lead to the development of sexual complications. Many men may experience issues with premature ejaculation and achieving a full erection. Women may experience the inability to feel sensations in a sexual manner, and even dryness in the area of the vagina.

o Complications with the circulatory system may also be experienced. This may include improper circulation in the body, heart problems, and similar health concerns.

What makes this especially dangerous is that with nerve damage you may not even know if certain problems exist. For instance diabetics often develop ulcers on their feet. If the nerves are damaged you may not be aware the ulcer exists until it becomes severe.

There are a number of ways that the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may be relieved. It is important to know that any damage that is present will persist. However there are ways to ensure that the damage does not advance to a serious stage.

First and foremost, glucose levels in the body must be maintained. Then, depending on the symptoms that are experienced, various types of pain relievers, blood thinners, and prescription medications may be implemented. For disorders related to sexual functioning, creams and lubricants may be recommended. If you suffer from this devastating condition, it is absolutely vital that you work closely with a professional doctor in order to ensure that you are engaging in the proper treatment.

To learn more about diabetic neuropathy visit http://www.diabetes-diabetic-diet-plans.com , a popular website designed to educate people about some of the common problems associated with the disease. You'll also find tips on diabetic cooking so you can eat healthy and tasty meals.

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Type 2 Diabetes - What Is the Problem With Blood Sugar and Diabetic Neuropathy?

Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels results in nerve damage leading to the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy: a family of nerve disorders that causes symptoms of tingling, pain and numbness. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes end up having some degree of diabetic neuropathy.

A diabetic may develop neuropathies anytime in their lifetime. However, it was noted that people who have had Type 2 diabetes for more than twenty-five years have the highest rates of diabetic neuropathy. And it is also true that most people who have painful neuropathies don't even realize they may have Type 2 diabetes. Often they don't find out until they visit their doctor to find out the reason for the pains they are experiencing. It could start off simply as a tingle in your toes and then progress up your legs.

What causes diabetic neuropathy?

There are several reasons for nerve damage taking place. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. The cells cannot live without oxygen so the neurons starve to death. Other factors such as:

abnormal levels of fat within the blood
blood vessel problems
autoimmune factors
excess weight
smoking, and
alcohol use

may also speed up the development of symptoms associated with neuropathy.

What are the most common symptoms?

Diabetic neuropathy results from nerve damage, therefore symptoms are usually seen in the nerves being affected by this problem. The most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy includes:

tingling
muscle pain and weakness
numbness
burning pain
shooting pain
balance problems
loss of bladder control
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
frequent dizziness
impotence
vaginal dryness in women

What are the risk factors?

1. Poor blood sugar control: The MayoClinic.com considers poor blood sugar control as the top risk factor for neuropathy in diabetics. So, if you are a diabetic, you should always keep your blood sugar in check to prevent the possible onset of nerve damage.

2. The number of years of being a diabetic: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop nerve pain.

3. Kidney problems: Diabetes causes damage to the function of your kidneys. And once your kidneys begin malfunctioning, toxins may not be eliminated efficiently from your body resulting in further damage to your nerves.

4. Cigarette smoking: Smoking decreases the blood supply to your hands and feet by narrowing and hardening your blood vessel walls. With decreased blood supply to your extremities, poor wound healing and damage to your nerves usually follows.

How can diabetic neuropathy be treated?

According to Mayoclinic.com, there is no cure. The focus for the management of neuropathy is then to slow the progression of this problem. While lowering blood sugar levels will eventually help reduce your pain and may help to prevent the type of severe damage that will be irreversible, this will take time.

If you happen to have any of the above mentioned symptoms, visiting your doctor is the best option. A few simple blood tests could determine whether you have Type 2 diabetes, at which point you could then start to repair the nerves. The earlier your blood sugar level is controlled, the lesser will be the damage to your nerves.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.

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2012年6月27日星期三

The Nightmare That Is Diabetic Neuropathy

Living life as a diabetic is difficult enough. There are so many complications that can develop from a disease that has no known cure and major lifestyle changes have to be made just to cope with the many symptoms associated with the disease on a daily basis. One major risk of not closely following and controlling blood glucose levels is diabetic neuropathy, a potentially debilitating disease that is often developed by those with Type 2 diabetes.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

This condition is one that develops if blood glucose levels in a Type 2 diabetic are left to go unchecked. High levels of blood glucose can weaken the walls of capillaries in the body, the primary source of nutrients and oxygen for the nerves and in turn, damage the nerve endings they feed. This damage is progressive and can lead to devastating consequences if left untreated.

There are four basic types of neuropathy that can develop as a result of diabetes - peripheral, autonomic, radiculoplexus and mononeuropathy. Each one has its own set of symptoms, and can affect different areas of the body. Treatment of each type will determine what drugs are administered, as well as other therapies, including lifestyle changes and dietary supplements.

General Symptoms of Neuropathy

There are several warning signs or symptoms that everyone should watch out for and if they appear, get a full physical exam and tests to determine if you have the condition, which type and how far it has progressed. The goal of treating this disease is to slow the progress of neuropathy, restore function to the affected regions and effectively manage the pain associated with it. Unfortunately, just like diabetes, there is no known cure for this associated condition, either, at this time.

The warning signs of neuropathy can include an unusual burning sensation, tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet, especially at night; sudden dizziness when moving from sitting to standing; sudden changes in digestion, the ability to urinate or sudden development of sexual dysfunction. The most important part of the body to pay attention to is the feet, the first place most signs of neuropathy will appear. If there is a cut or sore on your foot that does not seem to be healing properly, or appears to be infected, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Risks and Complications

Peripheral neuropathy primarily affects the feet and legs, followed by the hands and arms, following the longest nerves in the body. It can lead to pain and difficulty while walking, muscle weakness and deformities of the bones and joints.

Autonomic neuropathy attacks the autonomic nervous system, the system that controls the heart, bladder, lungs, stomach, sexual organs and eyes. It can lead to incontinence, sexual dysfunction, problems with blood pressure, increased heart rates, and changes in how the eyes adjust to different levels of light.

Radiculoplexus neuropathy attacks the nerves closer to the hips and shoulders, rather than just the nerve endings in the arms and legs. This could lead to atrophied muscles, difficulty rising from a seated position, abdominal swelling and severe weight loss.

Mononeuropathy concentrates on only one nerve, generally in the arm, leg, or even the face. It can cause difficulty in focusing, double vision or pain behind the eye; paralysis on one side of the face or Bell's Palsy and lead to chest or abdominal pain.

Treatment

As there is no cure, the only treatment plan for this condition will chiefly include pain management, therapy to restore function to affected areas, and whatever can be done to slow the progress of the disease. To start, unhealthy habits have to be changed and a more diligent monitoring of blood glucose levels will have to be done. This means that the blood glucose before meals should be between 70 to 130, after meals less than 180 two hours afterwards, and the hemoglobin A1C should test at less than 7 percent.

Good foot care is also important, because it is so easy for cuts and other things like sores and blisters to become infected when you have diabetic neuropathy. Daily cleaning, moisturizing and inspections are required. Medications will be at the doctor's discretion, depending upon your progress.

Want to know more about diabetic neuropathy, and how it can harm your overall health if left unchecked? The experts at Trinity Primary Care have been successfully treating this condition for years, so call them today for an immediate consultation. Also check out our new page on Diabetic Neuropathy.

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5 Not-So-Common Diabetic Neuropathies Explained

At least 50% of diabetes patients develop some sort of diabetic neuropathies near the later stages of diabetes. It usually takes approximately 5 to 10 years for a diabetes patient to experience the early signs of diabetes neuropathies.

The most common types of diabetic neuropathies are those occur near the lower parts of the body, such as numbness or tingling sensation near the feet, unknown pain at the legs, and sexual dysfunction. These abnormalities are common among the diabetics, but many people do not know that there are actually some other diabetic neuropathies that are very often mistaken as symptoms of other diseases.

Thus, it is important to know in advance about these not-so-common diabetic neuropathies so that you can identify them at early stage and take proper measures to prevent them from getting worse.

1. Constipation

There are 2 explanations of how diabetes causes constipation. The first one is the frequent urination that causes the loss of body water or dehydration that increases the re-absorption of water from the colon, which produces very dry stool that is hard to be passed. The second cause of constipation is due to neuropathy on the nerve tissues that control the bowel movement.

2. Urinary Incontinence

It is a condition in which a person fails to control the bladder muscles and result in the leakage of urine. The control of bladder muscles is semi-autonomous. If some of the autonomous nerves has already failed, you will experience urine leakage as soon as your mind relaxes the conscious urine holding up. Since the bladder is attached together with the prostate, male diabetics who experience urinary incontinence usually are having erectile dysfunction too.

3. Facial Changes

When diabetic neuropathy affects nerves that control the facial muscles, facial changes such as drooping of mouth, eyelids, and cheek can be noticed. The patient may also show unnatural smile due to inability to control the facial movements.

4. Insensitive to Temperature Change

When temperature sensors are damaged by long term exposure to high blood sugar, a person will become less sensitive to warm or cold.

5. Nausea and vomiting

The action of swallowing food is a result of systematic muscle movements of the esophagus tract. If diabetes has disturbed the autonomous nerves that control this important digestive function, a patient will find it hard to swallow anything and often feel like vomiting.

You may be living with diabetes for the past 10 years without experiencing any obvious health complications. Do not take things for granted! This is because when diabetic neuropathies start to surface, they usually come in a package. This is because all nerves are interrelated, and this forms a chained links that enable the domino effect to take place.

Hemen Ee has helped many Type 2 Diabetes patients reverse their diabetic complications by re-balance the pH of the body. Conventional medical approach will never find the cure for Type 2 Diabetes because they are not dealing with The Root Cause of it which is insulin resistance [http://insulinresistance.asia/]. Find out the shocking ugly truth of our modern healthcare industry and the alternative solution for Type 2 Diabetes at http://www.truthofdiabetes.com/

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Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetic Neuropathy and High Triglyceride Levels!

Over time people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy throughout their entire body. Problems can occur in every organ including the digestive tract, heart and sex organs. But, not all diabetics are aware they have nerve damage, some may show no symptoms whatsoever. Others may have symptoms such as:

pain
tingling
numbness or
weakness
in their hands or feet. It pays to take these signs seriously ... although this condition can get better, if you are not careful it can get worse.

Unfortunately, health care providers are unable to tell which of their diabetic patients are going to develop these neuropathies. This is interesting though ... a recent scientific study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, revealed that diabetic neuropathy occurs more in those with high triglyceride levels than in diabetics with normal triglyceride levels.

Additionally, diabetics with neuropathy and high triglyceride levels found nerve damage developed rapidly, usually within a year. Diabetics with normal triglyceride levels did not develop nerve damage during this time. Further, this research revealed:

other blood cholesterol levels were of no consequence to nerve damage
high triglyceride levels are definitely an important predictor of the development of diabetic neuropathy
nerve fiber damage and loss is not associated with how long you have had type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar control or other variables
This study involved 427 people with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage.

What are triglycerides? They are molecules of fat transported in your blood for various purposes and having a certain amount in your blood is normal. However, high triglyceride levels increase the risk of:

heart problems
disease of the pancreas
A normal fasting reading is less than 150 mg/dl. If you have a value higher that 150 mg/dl especially if it reaches above 200 mg/dl, you are at risk for coronary artery disease and the complications of neuropathy.

Research shows:

if your diet is high in refined carbohydrates this will cause a temporary rise in triglycerides
high fiber and low-GI foods seem to have the opposite effect
exercise such as walking will lower triglyceride levels by an average of 10mg/dl. More strenuous exercise will have a greater effect
alcohol raises triglyceride levels so avoiding alcohol will lower them
Diabetic neuropathy or neuropathies, are nerve disorders caused by many abnormalities common to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment first involves bringing your blood sugar levels under control and to within the normal range and this will help to prevent or delay the onset of further health issues.

Following a healthy eating plan combined with exercise can be surprising powerful. A healthy lifestyle does much more than keep your blood sugar levels stable ... it helps protect your whole body.

If you would like to download a free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.

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2012年6月26日星期二

New Relief for Foot Pain Due to Diabetic Neuropathy

Do you have painful neuropathy or know someone who suffers from this condition? If so, you know how debilitating it can be. The good news is that there is now an effective approach called cryosurgery that eliminates or significantly reduces the pain with fewer side-effects than other approaches.

Neuropathy is a nerve disorder that can cause pain, numbness, weakness and disability. There are many known causes for neuropathy, diabetes being the most common. Other causes include alcohol abuse, chemotherapy, stroke, back problems and leprosy. There are also times when no known cause can be found.

Diabetes is being diagnosed at alarming rates in all age groups. There are countless people walking around right now with diabetes and they may not become aware of their disease for years.

There are many signs and symptoms associated with diabetes; however, one of the more disturbing, life changing and painful conditions is diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathy typically occurs in about 50% of those with diabetes; however, half of that group (25% of all diabetics) will develop painful neuropathy that causes significant foot pain.

Neuropathy can cause debilitating shooting pain and throbbing throughout the feet. The foot pain may occur while sleeping, falling asleep or during normal daily activities.

There are few treatments that are targeted specifically for neuropathy. Many attempt to treat symptoms, such as giving sleeping pills to allow those that suffer to sleep through the night. Those treatments that are specifically for neuropathy often only provide minor relief or they involve highly-invasive surgery or a lifetime of strong medications with side-effects.

There is hope now for those who have painful neuropathy. Cryosurgery is minimally invasive, yet provides long-term relief by freezing the nerve which causes the pain. Dr. Marc Katz, a Podiatrist with Advanced Podiatry in Tampa, FL, became a Cryostar-certified Cryosurgeon and began using this FDA approved technology to treat painful nerve conditions in the foot, ankle and leg. He became interested in the Cryosurgery technique and its possible applications for those patients with diabetic neuropathy. Dr. Katz developed a Cryosurgery treatment protocol for neuropathy and noted that the success was truly remarkable. Patients had significant pain relief and they were often able to return to their favorite activities and discontinue or decrease the use of strong medications.

The Cryosurgery Procedure:

The procedure is minimally invasive and takes 15-45 minutes to perform. During a typical in-office procedure, the painful area is infiltrated with a local anesthetic, so that the cryoprobe can be introduced without discomfort. A puncture just large enough for the probe to easily pass through is made in the skin. Next, a small diameter instrument called a trocar is placed through the puncture site to create a pathway for the cryoprobe to be inserted. The probe is inserted through the puncture site to the area of pain. The freeze cycles are then initiated. Upon completion of the freeze cycles, the probe is removed and an antibiotic ointment is placed over the puncture site and a sterile dressing is applied. Sutures are not necessary due to the small size of the puncture. The dressing may be removed within 24 hours and a shower is then permitted. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. Most patients are advised to decrease their normal level of activity over the first 48 hours. In some cases more than one treatment is needed to obtain optimal results.

Success rates have been between 80 and 90 percent in most patients, says Dr. Katz. As with any treatment, results will vary. However, most patients get significant relief and rarely will get worse with the Cryosurgery treatment. Some patients may require treatment of different areas of the foot and may need the procedure repeated to gain further relief.

Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative cutting edge techniques for relief of foot pain including Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy of the foot. Dr. Katz prides himself on compassion and concern for all patients. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar certified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa Bay Area for relief of diabetic neuropathy, heel pain, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis and other foot pain.

For more information visit: http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com

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What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a certain type of nerve disorder and is caused due to diabetic attacks. This type of condition can affect all the nerves through the body. Neuropathy can be caused in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

There are several types of diabetic neuropathy and each kind affects the body in certain ways. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of diabetes which affects the peripheral nerves in the arms, limbs, legs, and feet. This is the most common kind of neuropathy found among diabetic patients. Autonomic neuropathy is a different type which affects the bowels and the bladder and causes loss of control on them. This also can cause erectile dysfunction in men. The other types of neuropathy are rare and they tend to affect mid body like hips and the back.

There are several factors in a life of a diabetic person that can cause such disorders. One of them is repeated episodes of high blood sugar and also sedentary lifestyle. In addition, habits like smoking and alcohol consumption in excess can lead to this condition. If other problems like high cholesterol levels and blood pressure exist, then it might affect the blood sugar levels and result in neuropathy problems. Factors that influence the nerve cells and blood cells can damage the nerves in the body permanently. Other causes may be genes and even diseases like carpel tunnel syndrome can cause it.

However, diabetes is the main condition that triggers it and it is very important to keep blood sugar levels under control to avoid such serous problems.

Pauline Go is an online leading expert in medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like :
Early Symptoms of Diabetes, Juvenile diabetes

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Diabetic Neuropathy and B12 Deficiency

A common side-effect of diabetes is neuropathy. In fact, nearly 70% of those suffering from diabetes either has already or will experience some form of neuropathy. While there are a variety of causes of diabetic neuropathy one of the causes has been found to be deficiencies of B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 benefits for neuropathy include nerve regeneration and growth of nerve cells.

There most common type of neuropathy among diabetics is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy lessens your body's ability to sense pain temperature, touch and vibration particularly in your legs and feet. Numbness, tingling and shooting pains are common complaints of peripheral neuropathy sufferers and problems associated with peripheral neuropathy include ulcers or wounds that won't heal on your legs and feet, bone and joint defects and infection, including gangrene. In fact, over half of the lower limb amputation surgeries are performed on diabetics.

As I mentioned above, approximately 70% of those suffering from diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy since elevated glucose levels can damage nerves. This occurs over an extended period of time so neuropathy typically occurs in those who are age 60 and over or who have had diabetes for many years. There are a variety of theories why this occurs however as a diabetic, you urinate more frequently since your body is trying to rid itself of the excess sugar in the blood. In this process it is also eliminating large amounts of nutrients and vitamins, including Vitamin B 12. B12 supports the sheathing that coats our nerve cells and is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. People suffering from neuropathy have also been found to have a shortage of B12. Not only does B12 coat our nerves but it also is vital for nerve regeneration and growth of nerve cells.

If you believe you have a deficiency of B12 there are a variety of supplements available on the market however while B12 is readily stored in the body it is not as easily absorbed by the body. Even while you may take a large supplementary dose not all of it may be reaching the intended source. To prevent this problem and ensure that you are replenishing your vitamin B12 you may want to take monthly B12 injections to maintain adequate body levels and to replenish what has been lost. Talk with your physician to see if this is the best option for you.

Julia L Hanf is a proud contributing author and writes articles about Neuropathy and its complications. Neuropathy is not to be taken lightly, it is an awful condition that affects thousands of people every year. You can lower your risk of Neuropathy by keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels close to the target numbers.

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According to Mayo clinic pain research has led to discoveries that alpha lipoic acid may work in relieving painful symptoms. Much can be done to alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and prevent further damage.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

It's a naturally occurring fatty acid in our bodies. It's also known as lipoic acid, thioctic acid or abbreviated as ALA but shouldn't be confused with alpha linolenic acid.

Alpha lipoic acid is found in most foods especially in animal internal organs such as the kidney, liver and heart. It can also be sourced from plants such as spinach, broccoli, peas, Brussels sprout, rice bran and yeast extract. Because it is covalently bound, the naturally occurring type is not available so that extracting it from natural sources yields poor results. As such, supplements in the market are chemically synthesized.

The chemical structure of alpha lipoic acid shows 2 thiol or sulfur groups. When reduced the result is called dihydrolipoic acid and when in an oxidized form alpha lipoic acid. It has an asymmetric carbon and can result in two isomers that are "mirror images of each other," the R-LA and S-LA. The R-isomer is produced in the body and bound to protein. Supplements may contain both L and R forms.

Functions of Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Body

It is a fatty acid and as such it is used by the body to produce energy for the body's functions. It converts glucose into energy.

It is one potent antioxidant. This characteristic is significant in neuropathy. If compared to most antioxidants, it's both water and fat soluble. Being so, it easily penetrates nerve cells and protects the integrity of nerve cells from oxidative damage. It scavengers for radicals and protects the integrity of the nerve cells. Another one of its significant function is its ability to renew vitamin C and glutathione when these antioxidants are in low supply. Glutathione is another essential antioxidant that eliminates harmful toxins. They cooperate together to protect the harmful effects of free radicals and protect the integrity of cells from oxidative damage.

Research on Alpha Lipoic Acid and Neuropathy

Preliminary studies suggest that it may help in diabetic neuropathy. In one of the largest studies, 181 people took 600 mg, 1200 mg or 1800 mg of alpha lipoic acid or a placebo. After 5 weeks, those who consumed the supplement have shown improved symptoms. A 600 mg daily dose was best tolerated which also provided the best benefits.

Research conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute has shown the following evidence regarding the role of alpha lipoic acid in diabetes and in diabetic neuropathy:

· improves glucose utilization in type 2 Diabetes mellitus by enhancing insulin sensitivity. The result of three different research studies as reported by the institute suggested that the maximum effective dose is 600 mg /day. The R-isomer of ALA may be more effective in improving insulin sensitivity than the L-isomer.

· by some mechanism it increases glucose uptake in fat and muscle cells

· improves the function and conduction of neurons in diabetes

· A neuropathic complication characterized by reduced heart rate variability was "significantly improved" by treatment of 800 mg daily of the racemic form.

· Beneficial effects are related mostly to its antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that can cause damage to DNA, proteins and lipids in cell membranes. An antioxidant such as Vitamin C, glutathione and Coenzyme Q10 can be oxidized when scavenging harmful free radicals. It is a potent reducing agent capable of renewing the potency and ability of Vitamin C, glutathione plus Coenzyme Q10. Moreover, it increases glutathione synthesis. Alpha lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid also inhibit copper and iron mediated oxidative damage. It prevents excess iron and copper accumulation in the body and is a good treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

· may help in diabetic end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

· Research show a significant improvement in electrophysiological tests of nerve conduction after two years of treatment with 1200/mg or 600/mg than those on placebo.

· Apart from its beneficial role in diabetes, it helps in metabolic syndrome, halts Alzheimer's progression and age-related cognitive dysfunction and many others.

Recommended Alpha Lipoic Acid Dose

As you age the capacity of your body to produce alpha lipoic acid diminishes and you can benefit from its numerous benefits.

The Linus Pauling institute recommends the R-isomer of 200-400 mg daily for healthy people.

For diabetic neuropathy, the maximum recommended dose is 600 - 1,800 mg /day of the R-isomer.

For cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy a suggested oral dose of 800/day of the R-isomer also is suggested.

Bottom Line

If you decide to supplement your anti-diabetic medication with alpha lipoic acid in the hope of treating your diabetic neuropathy ask your doctors' recommendation especially if you are taking other medications to lower blood sugar levels.

This antioxidant can help in your diabetes management. Nevertheless, it's very important to remember that management of diabetes is a lifelong commitment. Take note of your diet, exercise daily and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly. Take your anti-diabetic medications or insulin as directed by your doctor.

Conscientiously observing these things can prevent complications and stop them in their tracks once they have started.

A B Stephens is a chemical engineer by profession. Her passion to help diabetics stems from the fact that members of her family and her husband's family are diabetics. They launched http://www.typefreediabetes.com in 2007 - a one-stop shop for people who have diabetes - a lifestyle store complete with whatever a diabetic would need to live his/her life to the fullest! Numerous studies have proven that Alpha Lipoic Acid nutritional supplements have been shown to help in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. http://www.typefreediabetes.com/Nutritional-Supplement-Alpha-Lipoic-Acid-200mg-p/222a.htm

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Diabetic Neuropathy

2012年6月30日星期六

Surgery for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy and Your Feet

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy Exactly?

2012年6月29日星期五

Type 2 Diabetes - Vitamin D and Diabetic Neuropathy

What Are The Signs Of Diabetic Neuropathy?

Stop Diabetic Neuropathy Dead in Its Tracks

Diabetic Neuropathy Causes and Remedies to Help You Ease the Pain

2012年6月28日星期四

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy - A Serious Complication Of Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - What Is the Problem With Blood Sugar and Diabetic Neuropathy?

2012年6月27日星期三

The Nightmare That Is Diabetic Neuropathy

5 Not-So-Common Diabetic Neuropathies Explained

Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetic Neuropathy and High Triglyceride Levels!

2012年6月26日星期二

New Relief for Foot Pain Due to Diabetic Neuropathy

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic Neuropathy and B12 Deficiency

Yoga For Diabetes - Diabetic Neuropathy

2012年6月25日星期一

Diabetic Neuropathy: Understand What Your Doctor Means

Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy

The Role of Alpha Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy

2012年6月24日星期日

Natural Approaches to Cope With Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Chiropractic Care for Your Diabetic Neuropathy

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