Diabetic nerve pain and treatment is something people with diabetes have to deal with at some point – Especially if they do not control their blood glucose levels.  Many diabetics experience nerve damage, which is also called neuropathy (noo-rop-uh-thee). Nerve damage is generally caused by high blood glucose levels that damage the coating of nerves over time. The damage occurs throughout the body, but can be most devastating on the feet because:

• The blood has to travel the greatest distance to reach the nerves of the feet to supply them with nutrients.
• Diabetics tend to develop foot injuries without even noticing them because they can’t feel their feet. This gives the injury more time to become infected.

However, if you control your blood glucose levels through diabetes medications, incorporating healthy eating guidelines, and daily diabetes exercises, chances are very good that you can prevent or delay the onset of complications that are associated with nerve damage. 

Signs of Diabetic Nerve Damage

• Pain, burning or tingling in the feet and hands
• Abnormal sweating
• Light-headedness when you stand
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Bowel problems and difficulty urinating
• Bladder and kidney infections
• Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction

The treatment for nerve damage often involves preventing the damage from ever occurring. Once the nerves are damaged, it can be difficult to recover their full functionality. Here are some tips to help you prevent nerve damage:

• Monitor and control your blood glucose levels
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day
• Monitor changes with your feet, such as loss of feeling or tingling

Contact your physician immediately if you think that you may have nerve damage. Catching the damage early may help to prevent complications and spreading. Remember, you can prevent nerve damage, but you cannot cure it.

Use Up Extra Sugar and Prevent Nerve Damage With Exercise