Diabetes affects many aspects of your health. Without proper management, you could experience nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. The following guide outlines what you need to know to prevent this condition.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

The term describes any nerve damage sustained by individuals who have diabetes. The impacted nerves are usually located in the feet because the area often receives decreased blood flow. 

The condition occurs when you don’t fully manage your blood sugar levels. Over time, sugar begins to saturate the nerves, leading to irreversible damage. At first, neuropathy may cause tingling, pain, weakness, and numbness. Without prompt intervention, you may begin to lose feeling in the area. Decreased sensation can cause complications. For example, you may not notice when you sustain injuries and cuts, which could lead to infections. 

How Can You Prevent Nerve Damage?

Follow your doctor’s orders to keep your blood sugar levels under control. This may involve following a diet that’s low in sugar, cutting out fruits, simple carbohydrates, and carbonated drinks.

You must also check your blood sugar levels throughout the day. If you have diabetes Type 1, your doctor may recommend checks 10 times a day. For diabetes Type 2, three to five times are often sufficient. Most doctors recommend checking levels before each meal, as well as when you first wake up and before you go to sleep.

To stay within the range recommended by the doctor, you might need to make adjustments depending on the readings. For example, when the levels are too low, eat a snack that’s high in protein to bring it back up. If they’re too high, try exercising to bring them down.

If you experience foot pain, turn to the team at Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester in Monroe County, NY. For over three decades, these professionals have diagnosed and treated a range of podiatric conditions. Specializing in diabetic foot care, they’re board-certified in surgical treatment, but try noninvasive solutions first. Visit them online to learn more about foot care, or call (585) 249-0020 to book an appointment.