Diabetes Management
Diabetic Neuropathy: Why the Burning Sensation in Your Feet Should Not be Ignored?
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By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 05 December 2020, Updated on - 27 August 2023
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What is diabetic neuropathy?
- Sensory neuropathy: Damage to the nerves that detect touch and temperature - commonly affects the feet and hands.
- Motor neuropathy: Damage to the nerves that help in muscle movement.
- Autonomic neuropathy: Damage to the nerves that control involuntary actions of the body such as digestion.
What are the signs of diabetic neuropathy?
- Numbness, especially in the extremities, i.e., toes, fingers
- Tingling sensation
- Pain in the body
- Weakness in the limbs
- Difficulties with walking, balance, and coordination
- Loss of muscle mass in the feet, legs, hands, and hips
Who is more likely to get diabetic neuropathy?
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Weight issues
- High blood pressure
- Age above 40 years
- High levels of triglycerides
- Habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol
- Chronic liver or kidney disease
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Prolonged diabetes (living with diabetes for a long period of time)
- Other diseases and anti-cancer drugs
- Coronary heart disease or other heart condition.
Can diabetic neuropathy be prevented?
- Adhere to the medications prescribed by the doctor
- Follow healthy eating habits and consume whole, nutritious food
- Limit the consumption of high-fat and high-calorie processed foods
- Reduce salt consumption to keep blood pressure in the normal range
- Take up some form of moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking, riding a bicycle or swimming to stay physically active
- Quit smoking to reduce the risk of neuropathy
- Significantly reduce the consumption of alcohol.
- Examine the feet every day for any red spots, cuts, swellings or blisters
- Nails of the feet should be cut and trimmed carefully
- Pat dry the feet after bathing and moisturize them later
- Wear well-fitted shoes and wear thick, soft, seamless socks along with them.
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