How Diabetes Can Affect your Nervous System and How to Prevent it
Diabetic Neuropathy
Some form of damage to the nervous system is found in up to 60% of all diabetics, this is known as Diabetic Neuropathy. This varies from mild damage that is bearly noticeable, to critical damage that can be severely debilitating. There is a strong link between the length of time you have had diabetes and the quality of glucose control. Poor glucose control for ten years or more is the major cause of neuropathy. Here is a summary of the main factors:
- Poor glucose control over an extended period
- Height, taller people have longer nerves that seem to be more easily damaged
- Alcohol intake can make neuropathy worse
Nerves are responsible for a whole host of functions in the body, from touch, hot/cold sensation, muscle movement, feeling pain, bladder control and more. Impulses travel down the nerves to their destination, when nerve damage occurs, the speed the impluses travel can slow down or if severe, stop. This can have serious consequences, such as the inability to feel pain in your hands or feet, which in turn can lead to injury. If the nerves that sense temperature are damaged, a diabetic can touch an extremely hot surface or liquid and be burnt without knowing it. As nerves also control the heart, intestines, eyes and bladder, these can be affected before neuropathy is diagnosed.
Testing for Neuropathy
Nerves are used for a variety of functions, consequently they respond to different stimulation. A tuning fork can be used to cause gently vibrations which should normally be detected by the patient. This is typically used to test large nerves like those in legs. Temperature testing can be easily done by gently touching either hot or cold objects on the skin. This is very important because of the risk of burns or scolds. Touch sensation is tested by touching specially calibrated filaments on the skin. The filaments come in different types that take more or less pressure to bend when touched on the skin. This means that a measurement can be made of how much pressure can be applied before the touch in felt. The test is usually done with the patient not able to see when the filament touches the skin.
Treatments
As nerve damage affects things like the feet, heart, eyes and sexual organs, you should look at the treatment options in those sections. Non medical treatments are, as ever, good glucose control, normalising your blood pressure and body weight and of course, diet and exercise. If you suspect neuropathy, it is a very good idea to stop or drastically cut your alcohol intake and stop smoking.
Tai Chi
According to a study, Tai Chi can be effective in the treatment of the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
The study was paid for and conducted by the Louisiana State University’s department of Kinesiology. Initially, the study was only supposed to last a few months, but because of the effectiveness of the treatment, it continued.
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More Resources
[ www.diabetes.org ]
[ www.diabetes.ca ]
[ www.diabetesnet.com ]
[ www.diabetes.org.uk ]
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