Emcure_Diabetes Matters express_20pages

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diabetes
treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Don’t: Ignore vitamin B12
deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays an essential
role in the production of red blood
cells and DNA, as well as the proper
functioning of your nervous system.
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause
serious anaemia, nerve damage and
degeneration of the spinal cord. A lack
of B12 damages the myelin sheath
that surrounds and protect nerves.
Without this protection, nerves cease
to function properly and peripheral
neuropathy may occur.
Do: Go easy on alcohol
4 Diabetes and alcohol don’t mix.
Hypoglycemia can occur after drinking
alcohol because the liver is too busy
processing the alcohol to release
enough glucose into the bloodstream.
A 2008 study published in the journal
‘Endocrinology’ observed that, in an
animal study on mice, alcohol sends
large amounts of blood to the beta
cells in the pancreas, stimulating them
to release insulin, and thus lowering
blood glucose levels.
Don’t: Drink if you are
...pregnant, have uncontrolled
diabetes, live with liver or pancreatic
disease or those who have a history
of alcoholism. Those who take some
diabetes medicines and pain relievers
as also antibiotics, beta blockers,
antihistamines and antidepressants.
Do: Have a daily
5foot check
Research says that one in
four people with diabetes
will develop a foot condition
that requires intervention.
Neuropathy may lead to
further complications in
the feet. Because high blood
sugar damages the nerve fibers in
your body, you may not even realise
that you have a foot injury, calluses,
ulcers, infections, cuts and broken
skin. monitor their feet daily to
maintain foot health. During a daily
foot self-exam look for changes to
the feet, such as cuts, cracks, blisters,
or sores, ingrown toenails, infection,
calluses, bunions, redness, tenderness,
or swelling, changes in foot colour and
temperature or changes to the shape
of the foot.
Don’t: Ignore your feet
Peripheral neuropathy is very
common in people with diabetes and
can lead to serious foot complications
which, in turn, can lead to amputation.
If you have peripheral neuropathy,
it’s crucial that you don’t feet and to
quickly get help if you have an injury
or sore. Tight shoes and socks can
worsen pain and tingling and may lead
to sores that won’t heal. Wear soft,
loose cotton socks and padded shoes.
See your doctor for a regular foot
exam.
Do: Exercise regularly
6 It is well-established that
lifestyle changes including healthy
diet and exercise can significantly
reduce the prevalence of diabetes and
complications such as neuropathy.
A 2012 study published in
the ‘Journal of Diabetes and its
Complications’ noted that all it
took was 10 weeks of exercise
to significantly reduce pain and
symptoms in men and women with
diabetes-related neuropathy. That
wasn’t all. During that time, the
participants’ nerve health and function
also improved. Recent findings indicate
that exercise may improve balance and
trunk proprioception in people with
DPN.
Don’t: Be a couch potato
Exercise has long been recognised
as a part of therapy in the
management of diabetes, yet, research
shows that approximately 31% of type
2 diabetic patients fail to participate
in basic physical activity. Poor
circulation makes DPN even worse.
A lack of blood flow and oxygen to
hard-to-reach nerves can cause further
damage and cell death.
7
Do: Choose right shoes
and socks
Skip the high heels and flip-flops.
Before you put your shoes on, look
for wear-and-tear, especially on the
inside, and rough seams that could
irritate or injure your feet. Break in
new shoes gradually, starting with
only a few minutes of wear every day
for a few days. Trim toenails regularly
keep them from snagging hosiery and
cutting into adjacent toes.
Don’t: Go barefoot
Never walk around without shoes or
slippers, even at home. Going barefoot
may expose you to the risk of injury,
especially when the feeling in your feet
is impaired. Forget slippers, slides, and
shoes with pointy toes. Comfortable,
supportive shoes that fit well and with
dry socks will help protect your feet
from damage.
8
Do: Stop smoking
Not smoking is the best advice
for a lot of health issues, and diabetes
is certainly one of them. Smoking is
a risk factor for diabetic neuropathy.
Because it affects circulation it
increases your risk for dangerous foot
problems.
Don’t: Ignore professional help
Get help if you have trouble
quitting on your own. Your doctor
may be able to prescribe medication
to help you quit, or suggest a smoking
cessation program to boost your
motivation.
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