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Diabetic Neuropathy

This disorder related to diabetes is watched carefully by physicians for their patients. Lists of symptoms are given to every newly diagnosed patient. Some these symptoms are; a numbness or tingling in the extremities, changes to facial movement; tics, lazy eye or droopy eye lids. This could be caused from an injury to the blood vessels that supply the nerves. This injury may or may not be accounted for in daily activity but the symptom will be noticed.

If a diabetic has not controlled the glucose rate for an extended period of time, a chemical reaction occurs. Elevated blood sugar levels for lengthy periods of time may result in a chemical bonding of proteins. The highly reactive glucose will find tissues in the body to react with. This reaction builds in the polyol pathway and blocks the nerves from responding. This builds over time until the nerve is no longer sensitive or reacts as it was meant to.

One of the nerves that can be affected is in the eyes. The eye may be come displaced in a downward look or outward look. There may be a drooping of the eyelid and dilation of the pupil. Diabetics need to have eye exams once or twice a year and especially if they notice any changes to their vision or muscles around the eye itself.

This neuropathy affects all peripheral extremities and nerves. This includes motor skills, vision, pain fibers and autonomic nerves. Desensitizing of the nerves can affect the fingers ability to sense hot or cold when touched. The tension needed to grasp an item to be picked up. If the feet are affected, the nerves cannot discern cold, shoes that might be too tight, or if the skin has been cut.

Impotence, erectile dysfunctions and anorgasmia are also attributed to diabetes neuropathy. Anorgasmia is found in women more often than men and is attributed to certain medications. The medications taken by diabetic men are more likely to be attributed to impotence and erectile dysfunction. Consult a physician before taking any male enhancement supplements, they may lead to complications.

Bowel disfunctions may include the inability to control diarrhea or urinary incontinence. This may seem like a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, consult a physician if this occurs regularly. The liver is another organ that is affected by diabetes. Diuretics both homeopathic or prescription related may be needed to keep the liver functioning properly. Drink as much water as is required by a physician.

Constant control of glucose levels and activity will keep diabetic neuropathy at bay. There are many vitamins that are attributed to the wellbeing of the nervous system. Some of those are B12, serotonin, foods high in anti-oxidants, as well as a-lipoid acid, also an anti-oxidant.

Diabetics are warned that constant stimulation is needed for the feet, legs and hands. These are the most likely to be affected first. If not cared for fungus and infection can set in making amputation the only recourse. Manicures and pedicures are a good source of extremity care and stimulation. Once a month manicures and a pedicure, or even every couple of months, is not out of order. Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy and has the highest rate of morbidity and mortality. The estimated prevalence in diabetics results in 20% of amputations.

Diabetic Supplies

There isn’t a place to hide that the medical supply services won’t find you. Every web page and advertisement envelope, that is in your mail box, contains a web address or phone number where a person can order diabetic supplies. In writing this article and checking the web, there were so many pages of diabetic supplies listed; I gave up trying to count them.

Depending on the extent of the diagnosis, diabetic supplies can be purchased on line and sent to your doorstep automatically each month. The estimated use of 2-3 strips a day for testing glucose as well as the lancets, and the meter are all monitored and refilled accordingly. You will never have to worry about missing an injection or taking a pill as the dosages are figured and the refills are prepared accordingly. If you have any changes to your prescription, a call or email to the company will be enough to have the changes made to your account. That is if this were a perfect world. Do diligent researches before you pick the supply company. Ask others that may have one they like, check with the Better Business Bureau and even your Attorney General. Remember the old adage, “Buyer beware.” This certainly applies to anything purchased on line.

If the patient needs insulin, syringes, antiseptic wipes, a needle cutter for disposal or a biohazard disposal container, the diabetic supplier has it all. Insurance companies were then pressured to cover the costs of the supplies as they were needed to administer the treatments.

There are many ways to choose a testing meter: The amount of blood needed to take the test How easy is the meter to use and read? Accuracy and testing speed Does it store daily readings? Weekly readings? Cost of the meter and the test strips Technical support needed if something malfunctions. Your Doctor’s recommendation. Size and ease of carrying daily. These are just some of the things to consider when choosing a home testing glucose kit.

The home glucose meter was not encouraged by doctors when they were first introduced. The professional staff felt that an in-lab test was the most accurate and best way of determining a patient’s care. As home test kits improved in accuracy and cost, patients reacted to the need to keep more consistent records of their glucose numbers and to go to the lab was costly. The manufactures of the glucose meters saw that the increase of diabetics in the world and the demand for supplies to this growing epidemic was cost effective. They began to make the home testing kit attractive to the consumer and readily available even though the mail.

Most of the supply sites that were listed on the web included tips, information about diabetes, it care and prevention. Most websites had links to the American Diabetes Association. Some included a link to a web based medical information site. All these services are put there for the consumer to be able to locate information about diabetes. Along with the information the site usually had a list of insurance plans that covered the costs of the supplies, some that could be applied for right on the site. If the patient was over fifty five years old, there are a number of places that have discounts for seniors.

It is clear to see that diabetes is not only a national epidemic but a national business venture. Supplying testing kits and replacements as well as all the medications that need to be consumed and injected, this is now a multi-billion dollar business.

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• Neuropathy