Emcure_Diabetes Matters express_20pages

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diabetes
onset of initial pain and manage
its progression to prevent other
complications.
Good glucose control
The primary strategy for combating
DPN is prevention. Says a 2004 study
in the journal ‘American Journal
of Health System Pharmacy’, “The
progression of disease depends on
management of glucose in both type
I and type II diabetes.” According
to a 2005 report titled ‘Diabetic
Neuropathies’, published in the
journal ‘Diabetes Care’, “Controlling
hyperglycaemia not only helps prevent
the development of DPNP, but it also
delays its progression. Observational
studies suggest that good glucose
control and avoidance of extreme
blood glucose fluctuations improve
neuropathic symptoms.”
Lifestyle changes
Controlling hypertension,
normalising dyslipidemia, quitting
smoking, and losing weight go a long
way. Eat anti-inflammatory foods.
Increase your intake of omega–3
fatty acids, know your carbs, don’t
overdo salty, fried foods, drink only
moderately and, know that if you
have a gluten allergy, consuming
gluten can trigger and worsen your
symptoms. Common sources include
all food containing white, wheat, cake
or baking flour. For best results seek
guidance from your doctor.
Says the 2005 report in ‘Diabetes
Care’, “Improvement of lipid and blood
pressure indexes, smoking cessation,
and alcohol drinking reduction are
recommended.” As for the elderly
diabetic patients, says a 2003 report
in the journal ‘Clinical Geriatrics’, “The
initial approach to glucose control
is with lifestyle modifications. One
lifestyle modification is weight loss.
In the geriatric population, a 7%
reduction in weight and 150 minutes
of moderate exercise weekly is
recommended.”
For all diabetes patients one thing
remains constant: Monitor your
blood glucose daily, and talk with
your doctor if you're having trouble
managing it.
Foot care
Daily foot care is a must. Check
your feet every day, feeling for sore,
hot, cold, numb, or dry spots. Look for
bumps, cuts, sores, and swelling, and
report any concerns to your doctor.
Clean your feet and apply lotion daily.
Wear thick socks and comfortable
shoes. Make sure your doctor checks
your feet at every visit and does a
thorough foot exam once a year. Tell
your doctor right away if you have
symptoms of neuropathy, because early
treatment may delay further damage.
Pain medication
Your doctor may prescribe
antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and
opioid or opioid-like drugs to relieve
pain. Skin creams containing capsaicin
or lidocaine can also provide relief.
Other treatments may be needed for
neuropathy that affects the bladder,
bowels, or other organs.
Complementary &
Alternative therapies
• These include herbal medicines,
vitamins, minerals supplements.
• Mind and body practices that focus
on the interactions among the
brain, mind, body, and pain, like
meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep
breathing exercises, hypnotherapy,
progressive relaxation etc.
Complementary and alternative
therapies work differently for different
people. They should not replace your
conventional care. For best results,
integrate them with your treatment.
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