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Healthy Home
People With a Treatable Problem
by Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T. (Diane's bio)
IMPORTANT!: Please read our legal notice regarding this health column by clicking here.
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Danny is 34 and sometimes walks with braces. Sam at 74 spends most afternoons in a wheelchair. Fourteen-year-old Becky has trouble playing sports. Twenty-five year old Ellen has occasional burning in her feet. What do these individuals have in common? Neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy, to be specific.
Diabetic neuropathy—a nerve disorder caused by diabetes—can lead to problems with internal organs or can cause numbness or pain in the feet, legs, or hands. High blood glucose (sugar) levels cause chemical changes that impair the nerve's ability to transmit signals. At times, weakness is associated with neuropathies; symptoms can be gradual in nature or flare unexpectedly.
One study done by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases proves that maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible can slow nerve damage. After five years, the insulin-dependent subjects (by injection or pump) who were closely managed at least four times a day had reduced their risk of nerve damage by 60 percent. Tests results were conclusive.
Back to Our Friends…
Danny is in no pain but is losing the use of one particular nerve to the legs. Sam has excruciating pain in his hands but is only aware of numbness in his legs; he experiences weakness in numerous muscle groups. Becky can't judge where she is walking unless she watches her feet. Ellen has consistently lowered her blood sugar level so symptoms of nerve damage have not worsened.
Each of these individuals sought the advice of a physical therapist who gave them a personalized exercise program. Regular exercise reduced the pain in Sam's hands. He learned that smoking only made his diabetes worse. Danny reached a healthy weight, strengthened muscles, and improved his circulation. Becky gained endurance and learned to take better care of her feet. Ellen decided to drink decaffeinated coffee instead of alcohol when she stopped at a local restaurant to chat after work with friends. Alcohol, she was told, could worsen her symptoms and offset her exercise.
Take Charge
Diabetes and its management confuse many people. Neuropathies further complicate matters especially if individuals don't know what to expect. Consider, first of all, that the disease is on the rise, and some cases occur as a result of lifestyle choices. Secondly, friends and family members may have diabetes; anyone can share information with them. Maybe a Danny or Becky lives in your neighborhood. Do you work with someone similar to Sam or Ellen? Do you have diabetes yourself? Take charge. Be aggressive.
- Consult a diabetic specialist; early comprehensive management is a must!
- Ask for a physical therapy consult (*some states require a doctor's referral)
- Educate yourself; your life depends on it.
- Join a support group or start one.
References:
1. http://www.aadenet.org/ (to contact a local diabetic educator)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
For Your Soul Consideration:
Although health professionals encourage physical exercise, God has an additional perspective. "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7 KJV) In view of eternity, it is godliness that is the heavy weight!
Copyright 2002, Diane H. Pitts. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
THE CONTENT OF THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN IS PRESENTED IN SUMMARY FORM, IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE, IN-PERSON, PROFESSIONAL, MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, OR PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH CARE ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION, HEALTH DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN. Please read our full legal notice.
| About Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T.: Diane Pitts has practiced in the fields of nursing and physical therapy for twenty-five years. She currently manages the education and escapades of three active boys in addition to pursuing an interest in writing. Healthy Home seeks to provide the reader with practical ways to maintain wholeness in body, mind, and soul. Contact her at healthyhomecol@earthlink.net. |
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