Diabetic Neuropathy / Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Neuropathy / Diabetic RetinopathyDid you know diabetes is the fastest growing health problem in the United States and did you know more of you are at risk than ever before? That's right! Over 18 million people in the United States have diabetes with 13 million already diagnosed and 5 million unaware that they have the disease. As you recall, last week we laid the foundation by looking at metabolism and its relationship to weight issues and diabetes. Lets examine 2 of the long-term complications, which are all too common in diabetes. These include Neuropathy (nerve diseases) and Retinopathy (eye diseases). Approximately 60% of people with diabetes will eventually develop neuropathy. Neuropathy first involves loss of sensation in hands and feet. This nerve disease is characterized by tingling sensations, numbness, loss of function and burning pain. Now look at this... Retinopathy of diabetes is a serious eye disease involving the retina... the collection of light-sensitive cells lining the back half of each eye.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. for people between ages 20 and 64. The brighter side... no matter what your family history or risk factors, diabetes is not inevitable. Remember this take home message: Any effective approach for diabetes must be integrated (you can't just take pills and not change your diet). In other words diabetes requires multiple therapies, medical, nutritional and lifestyle changes. Make your doctor aware of all nutritional supplements, homeopathics and herbals you currently take to avoid any negative interactions with any prescription medications.

Find Relief from Nerve DamageNeuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system, which carries information to and from the brain and spinal cord. The damage is distinguished by inability to control muscles, pain, and loss of sensation (most frequently occurring in the feet and legs). Neuropathy is a common occurrence among 50% of individuals who have had diabetes for more than 25 years. This condition is caused by imbalanced blood sugar levels and can damage many parts of the body such as the heart, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels that bring oxygen to the nerves. The damaged nerves may send messages too slow or at wrong times. The nerves leading to the feet are the longest in our body and the ones most affected by neuropathy. Doctors estimate more than 50% of foot amputations caused by neuropathy and poor circulation could be avoided with proper care.

Avoid the Leading Cause of Legal BlindnessRetinopathy is a potentially blinding disease that affects half of the American diabetic population. It is also the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among working-age Americans. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels located in the retina. The retina is light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, which changes light into nerve signals that are sent along the optic nerve to the brain. The eye cannot communicate with the brain without the retina making vision virtually impossible. Both people with type I and type II diabetes are at risk. Diabetic retinopathy could also occur in pregnant females with gestational diabetes.

Health Follow-up:Continue these proactive steps towards wellness: Increase your water intake. Regular exercise (5 times per week, 30-45 minutes). Get plenty of good quality sleep. Maintain a balanced diet of good carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes), good fats, and protein. Take nutritional supplements targeted to your specific needs as well as eliminate fast foods and saturated fats. Wash your hands frequently and practice "Good Hygiene." De-stress your mind and body with yoga, meditation or spiritual practices. Detoxify your system and take an antioxidant. Have fun laugh every day. Humor is good medicine. Develop positive personal and professional relationships.