Tag Archives: diabetic neuropathy

Could You Be at Risk for Diabetes?

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Could you be one of the nearly 30-percent of people with diabetes that are not diagnosed? Symptoms may not always be present if you are at risk for diabetes.  A diabetes, prediabetes, blood glucoserecent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that over 100 million people in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes.

Know Your Number

Your hemoglobin A1C level, or HgA1C, measures your diabetes risk. You may have never heard about it if it has been in normal range so far.  However, this number is one that can slowly creep up over time, so it is important to track.

So what does this test mean? Your HgA1C is your average blood glucose level from over the past three months.  A healthy HgA1C level is 5.6% or less, whereas 5.7% to 6.4% means that you have prediabetes.  If you have a HgA1C over 6.5%, you may have diabetes.

Recent Stats

A recent report states that nearly one in four people do not know they have diabetes. Just as alarming, over 80-percent of people who have prediabetes do not know that they have it. Untreated prediabetes can lead to diabetes within five years. Also, diabetes can lead to later problems with heart health, vision, and nerve function. Therefore, you should take steps to try and prevent this disease.

Small Steps for Health

Losing just 7-percent of your body weight can help lower your risk of diabetes by nearly two-thirds. Other ways to lower your risk include:

  • Staying active at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week. This does not mean you have to go to boot camp or run. Walking, gardening, swimming, and climbing stairs can be great ways to stay active.
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet. A balance of lean protein and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables is important for overall health.  On the same note, you should eat mostly whole, fresh foods. Also, you should limit intake of high-sodium, high-sugar processed foods.
  • Visiting your doctor often to make sure your health is on track.  You should visit your doctor at least once a year no matter what your health status.  If you have a condition such as diabetes or heart disease, you should visit the doctor more often.
  • Keeping track of your numbers such as blood glucose, HgA1C, and blood pressure can help prevent or treat chronic disease. These numbers can be checked when you visit your doctor.
  • Taking supplements such as Glucarex by Vita Sciences. Glucarex contains vanadium and cinnamon.  Research shows that these compounds can support healthy blood glucose levels.

-written by Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, LDN

Sources:

American Diabetes Association (November 21, 2016) “Diagnosing Diabetes and Learning About Prediabetes” http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diagnosis/?loc=db-slabnav

CDiabetes (September 5, 2016) “Strategies for Balancing Blood Sugar Levels” http://cdiabetes.com/strategies-for-balancing-blood-sugar-levels/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (May 15, 2015) “2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report” https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics/2014statisticsreport.html

Medline Plus (July 18, 2017) “More Than 100 Million Americans Have Diabetes or Prediabetes: CDC” https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_167270.html

Should yearly vision exams be in your diabetes routine?

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Carbohydrate counting, staying active, and checking your blood glucose levels may remind you of the typical diabetes care routine. However, other aspects of diabetes care must not be forgotten. Foot care, dental care, and high cholesterol are just a few other check-ups that are important to diabetes care.

Those with diabetes are at high risk for foot ulcers due to decreased blood flow to the feet caused by diabetes-related nerve damage. Also, those with diabetes are at greater risk vision, eye exam, eye healththan those without diabetes for gum infections. Furthermore, those with diabetes have been shown to have greater blood vessel damage when they have high cholesterol than those without diabetes.

Diabetes and Eye Health

Another important part of diabetes care is regular vision check-ups. This is because those with diabetes are at higher risk for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy than those without diabetes.  Diabetes-related nerve damage that occurs as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose levels can greatly impact vision health. According to the National Eye Institute, all forms of diabetic eye disease can lead to severe vision loss and blindness.  However, it is diabetic retinopathy that is the most common cause of vision loss among those with diabetes.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. The retina detects light and sends a signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Next, the brain converts this electrical signal to an image.  Uncontrolled diabetes damages vessels of the optic nerve, therefore worsening vision.

When someone has diabetic retinopathy, vessels in the retina swell and leak fluid into the retina. In turn, this fluid distorts vision.  Furthermore, in advanced stages of the disease, scarring of the retina can occur, which can eventually pull the retina away from the underlying tissue, which in turn could lead to blindness.

Diabetes and eye exams

A 2017 study in the New England Journal of Medicine observed the vision health of 1400 people with Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, over 30 years.  Biannual retinal photographs and general diabetes health reviews were used to assess vision health. From this study, it was determined that in place of yearly vision exams those with a Hemoglobin A1C, or average blood glucose level over three months of:

  • six-percent or less, without signs of diabetic retinopathy, would be safe getting a vision exam once every four years
  • six-percent or less with mild retinopathy should have vision exams ar least once every three years
  • eight to ten-percent should be screened more often than yearly for their vision health

In addition to getting regular exams, everyone, no matter their diabetes status should take steps to maintain vision health.  Consuming  vitamin A-rich foods such as brightly-colored veggies like carrots, peppers, and leafy greens is one way to support retinal health. Furthermore, leafy greens, as well as pistachios, contain the eye-healthy antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that can lower your risk of eye disease. Finally, taking supplements with these eye-healthy nutrients can help you maintain your vision health.

Vita Sciences‘ Ocutain contains both lutein as well as beta-carotene, which support eye health. Also, be sure to visit Vita Sciences for other supplements such as Glucarex, which can support healthy blood glucose levels.

Also, be sure to visit the American Optometric Association website for further research and information on ways you can maintain vision health.

-written by Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, LDN

Sources:

American Optometric Association (accessed April 21, 2017) “Lutein & Zeaxanthin.” https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/lutein?sso=y

Dreher, M.L. (April 2012) “Pistachio nuts: composition and potential health benefits.” Nutrition Reviews, 70(4):234-40.

Mayo Clinic (December 18, 2014) “Diabetes care: 10 ways to avoid diabetes complications” http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20045803

Medline Health News (April 19, 2017) “Is Annual Eye Exam a Must for People With Type 1 Diabetes?” https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_164719.html

National Eye Institute (September 2015) “Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease” https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy

For diabetic neuropathy, R-ALA is an important nutrient.

20 of the Best Diabetes Websites

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For managing diabetes, information can be a lifesaver. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, then it’s important to start educating yourself immediately. If you’ve been managing symptoms of type-1 or type-2 diabetes for years, then it’s helpful to check up on recent medical breakthroughs in glucose management and diabetic neuropathy.

Listed are 20 influential websites that provide a wealth of tips, resources, and medical advice for all aspects of diabetes. These include advocacy groups, community support forums, links databases, and medical information.

Tip: If you take metformin, then you may be at risk for severe vitamin B12 deficiency!  Here are some excellent B12 Patches for diabetics, and a vitamin B12 cream. 

Nervex is also very helpful for diabetic neuropathy, as it helps to provide natural nutritional support for nerve cell integrity.

20 of the Best Diabetes Websites

  1. SelfGrowth– Our company’s mission is to provide informative, quality Self Improvement and Natural Health information to help people improve their lives. We provide information ranging from Goal Setting and Stress Management to Natural Health and Alternative Medicine.
  2. Diabetes Self Management– Diabetes Self-Management is a publisher of authoritative, reliable health information for the growing number of people with diabetes who want to know more about controlling and managing their diabetes.
  3. Healio Diabetes Page– Designed as an in-depth specialty clinical information website, Healio.com features the industry’s best news reporting, dynamic multimedia, question-and-answer columns, CME and other educational activities in a variety of formats, quick reference content, blogs, peer-reviewed journals and a full line of popular book titles.
  4. Physician’s Briefing- Diabetes– By HealthDay, informational website with a large database of medical articles on diabetes and other illnesses.
  5. Pawluk– Board-Certified Family Physician, has training in Acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis and bodywork, is a national expert in the medical use of electromagnetics and energy medicine for more than 22 years.
  6. Healing Diabetes– Finding how to cure my diabetes is one of my missions in life and in this blog I share my experiences, research and advice on how to better control glucose and/or cure diabetes.
  7. T Minus Two– Personal blog on diabetes and mental health.
  8. endocrineweb– EndocrineWeb’s goal has been to provide patients with accurate and current information about endocrine disorders. In clear, straightforward language, we explain the causes and symptoms of these disorders and how they can be treated.
  9. Diabetes Developments– blog page for David Mendosa, freelance medical writer, advocate, and consultant specializing in diabetes.
  10. com Diabetes Health– About.com health section, administrated by diabetes expert Barbie Cervoni, RD, CDE.
  11. Healthline Diabetes– Healthline’s mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. We do this by creating quality health information that is authoritative, approachable, and actionable.
  12. butyoudontlooksick– Creator of the Spoon theory, online magazine about living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease, or chronic pain and features a collection of articles, personal stories, book and product reviews, health resource.
  13. American Diabetes Association– Advocacy network with a large selection of information, tips, and awareness campaigns for diabetes.
  14. Neuro Talk- Diabetes/Insulin Resistance / Metabolic Syndrome– Neuropathy community forum, this section focuses on all topics related to diabetes.
  15. Six Until Me– Personal blog about life with type 1 diabetes.
  16. The Girl’s Guide to Diabetes– Personal blog with resources, links and articles for diabetes among women.
  17. The Diabetes Resource– Very large database with hundreds of links to resources, medical articles, and parenting tips for diabetes.
  18. Diabetes Digest– Easy-to-read, up-to-date articles about all aspects of managing your diabetes, including weight control, blood glucose monitoring and medications.
  19. We Are Diabetes– We Are Diabetes is an organization primarily devoted to promoting support and awareness for the eating disorder diabulimia. We are dedicated to providing support, hope and resources to those who suffer from diabulimia, as well as to their families and loved ones.
  20. Children With Diabetes– The online community for kids, families and adults with diabetes.

Do you have any diabetes pages that you’d like to suggest? Please feel free to comment below!

For diabetic neuropathy, R-ALA is an important nutrient.

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes- R-ALA Benefits

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R Lipoic Acid, an over-the-counter antioxidant, is a powerful supplement for people suffering from neuropathy. Using Alpha Lipoic Acid for diabetes is a proven method for enhancing nerve cell functioning and relieving common symptoms of numbness, pain, itching and burning in the hands and legs.

What is R-ALA?

Alpha-lipoic acid is a nutrient that contains antioxidant properties. The R form, R-ALA, is the only type of alpha lipoic acid that your body is able to absorb thoroughly through the skin.

R-ALA is a superior form of antioxidant, as it helps to maintain healthy levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and Coenzyme Q-10. It also has therapeutic properties in helping to prevent signs of aging and sustaining a normal response to inflammation.

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes

Alpha lipoic acid has been the focus of numerous placebo-based studies on diabetic neuropathy, autoimmune disorder, and insulin resistance. For peripheral neuropathy, R-ALA destroys free radicals that trigger common symptoms of painful numbness, tingling, burning, and itching. Alpha lipoic acid may also be helpful for autonomic neuropathy symptoms that occur with diabetes, as well.

For diabetes, R-ALA increases antioxidant action and also promotes good circulation in the blood vessels adjacent to your nerve endings.

In a famous study, diabetic patients saw improvement after only a few weeks of alpha lipoic acid treatments.

“But it didn’t act only as a pain medication,” says neurologist Peter Dyck, MD. “Alpha lipoic acid seems to actually change the metabolism of the nerve or blood supply to the nerve, and we noted some relief in symptoms.”

Where the placebo group reported little change by the end of the study, the participants who received alpha lipoic acid treatments reported a dramatic decrease in pain symptoms by six points.

 

How does R-ALA help?

Alpha lipoic acid helps in many ways:

  • R-ALA helps to maintain healthy levels of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
  • It promotes good nerve cell functioning with diabetes.
  • Alpha lipoic acid is essential for breaking down of carbohydrates and producing energy.
  • R lipoic acid helps to protect your nervous system from harmful free radicals in pollution and chemicals.
  • People suffering from nerve pain have found optimal results with daily use of alpha lipoic acid supplements.

Where can I find R-ALA?

Alpha lipoic acid occurs naturally in many food items such as meat, but for neuropathy sufferers, it’s important to get more. In many studies, R-ALA is most helpful when dispersed directly into the bloodstream.

Nervex Neuropathy Pain Cream contains rich amounts of R-ALA, plus other helpful nutrients that promote good neurological health and relief from common aches and pains.

Buy Nervex neuropathy cream now

 

Buy Nervex Now! $19.95

Also read: Capsaicin Cream for Nerve Pain

Sources:

Antioxidant Soothes Diabetic Neuropathy: WebMD

University of Maryland Medical Center

NCBI: Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Diabetic Neuropathy

The Sensory Symptoms of Diabetic Polyneuropathy Are Improved With α-Lipoic Acid

chili pepper cream for neuropathy pain

Capsaicin Cream for Nerve Pain

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Capsaicin cream for nerve pain is naturally helpful, according to the leading studies on neuropathy treatments. Derived from hot chili peppers, topical capsaicin blocks nerve signals that cause pain and itching.

Capsaicin Cream eases nerve pain

Neuropathy is an illness that causes extreme soreness, imbalance and itching. It’s usually associated with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, pernicious anemia or alcoholism. Peripheral neuropathy is most common, causing uncomfortable numbness, cramps, and tingling in the hands and feet.

 What is capsaicin cream?

Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever derived from red chili peppers. As a topical cream, capsaicin offers relief for people suffering from neuropathy and arthritis.

How does it work?

Capsaicin relieves pain by blocking the skin’s pain receptors. People usually notice a slight burning or tingling sensation the first time they use capsaicin cream. That’s because the capsaicin diverts pain-transmitting chemicals produced by the nerve cells and releases it into your skin. As your nerve cells continue to absorb capsaicin, you will start producing fewer amounts of this pain-transmitting chemical, resulting in long-lasting overall relief. For this reason, experts such as Dr. Karen Lauze, a neurologist at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, recommend sticking with capsaicin cream for at least 6 weeks.

 “We have some success with capsaicin, a cream for the feet,” Lauze said. “The cream sucks out a specific protein in the pain fibers (protein C). Basically, it depletes the the fiber’s ability to feel pain…”1

Who benefits from capsaicin cream?

Capsaicin cream has many health benefits that provide relief for people suffering from multiple conditions. Examples include:

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Chronic pain disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Post-surgery pain
  • Migraine
  • Cluster headache
  • Shingles
  • Joint pain
  • Arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Mouth sores

 

How do I use the capsaicin cream for nerve pain?

To use, simple rub a small amount of capsaicin cream wherever you experience pain or itching. Apply at least 4 times per day for optimal results. Don’t use on broken skin or inflammation. Avoid touching your eyes or nose until after you have washed your hands. Initial burning or stinging will decrease with prolonged use.

 

Studies proving efficacy of capsaicin cream

Oxford University has published several studies focusing on capsaicin cream for peripheral neuropathy. Participants included patients of AIDS, arthritis, shingles, diabetes, and cancer. Forty-one percent of patients favored capsaicin cream for pain relief, compared to placebos and capsaicin patches that were not helpful.

 “High-concentration topical capsaicin used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and HIV-neuropathy generates more participants with high levels of pain relief than does control treatment using a much lower concentration of capsaicin.”2

 

 “In conclusion, patients severely affected by fibromyalgia can obtain short-term improvements following topical capsaicin 0.075% treatment three times daily for 6 weeks.”3

 

In a separate study focusing on fibromyalgia patients, scientists noted significant results in participants who treated tender pain spots with capsaicin cream.

 “In neuropathic conditions with six trials (656 patients), topical capsaicin (0.075%) was better than placebo with an NNT of 5.7 (95% CI 4.0 to 10)”4

Takeaway

Doctors agree that using natural pain relief is the best way to decrease your dependence on unhealthy pain medications. Many vitamins, herbs, and plant-based treatments can effectively nourish your nerve cells from within.

Nervex contains capsaicin from chili peppers, Andrographis Paniculata Extract (ParActin®), Thiotic Acid (r-ALA), and vitamins B12, D, and E.

Buy Nervex neuropathy cream now

Try Nervex Neuropathy Pain Relieving Cream now.

 

Sources:

1Pain of neuropathy is sometimes treatable

2Topical capsaicin (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.

3Short-term efficacy of topical capsaicin therapy in severely affected fibromyalgia patients

4Topical capsaicin for chronic pain