Nerve damage as a result of diabetes is on the rise. With more and more people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the risk of infections, ulceration, and amputation of limbs springing from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a threat that many people are facing today. But this can be prevented with the right knowledge at hand.

Here are 4 tips to preventing nerve damage from diabetes:

1. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control

It has been proven through research that controlling your blood glucose can reduce the risk of getting diabetic nerve damage by 60%. Your aim should be to get a result that is below 7% for your hemoglobin A1C reading. The normal range level should be between 4% and 5.6%.

If you are already suffering from neuropathy, controlling your glucose levels can prevent the condition from worsening. 

2. Check On Your Foot Wear

The kind of shoes you choose to wear matters a lot. Go for shoes that have good support and cushioning and are flexible to walk in. Avoid wearing shoes that are very tight as this can result in nerve compression. Avoid also wearing loose shoes as this can cause blisters.

On the same note, it is important to inspect the surfaces of your feet every time you take your shoes off. Check between your toes for blisters, small cuts, ingrown toenails, and calluses and make sure that there is no sign of infection.

If you feel a loss of sensation on your feet, it could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy. It is advisable in such a situation that you don’t walk barefoot.

3.  Maintain A Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet will go a long way in preventing nerve damage from diabetes. Some of the contents of a healthy balanced diet that you should embrace are around 40% lean healthy protein which includes fish, beef, pork, lamb, grass-fed chicken, tempeh and traditionally processed soy. Fat should take up 30% of the diet which should include olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, nuts, and seeds.

Carbs such as whole grains, sprouted grains, fruits, and vegetables will come in handy. Processed carbs, fruit juices, alcohol, beverages, starchy fruits and vegetables, and baked foods should be avoided. You should also include organic foods as they minimize your body’s toxic load and make your immune system more efficient.

4. Take Supplements

Supplements are essential in preventing nerve damage from diabetes. There is a wide array of supplements available for use and each serves its own purpose. Alpha lipoic acid is an effective supplement. This soluble antioxidant protects nerve cells from damage and helps in repairing the already damaged cells.

The L-arginine is another effective supplement. This amino acid enhances your blood flow which is important for repairing nerve damage. It can be taken 3 times a day for a dosage of 250mg. Omega 3 and omega 6 is also another effective supplement. Nerves need fat in order to repair and function well. Using these fats will come in handy.

Conclusion

Nerve damage from diabetes can be prevented by working out these four tips. It is advisable that you get the best supplements that will work well for you. There are many companies in the market today offering supplement products and it can be a bit confusing deciding which one to buy. You can check out Neuropathycure.org for the best recommendations.