A healthful eating plan does so much more than keep your blood sugar down, it protects your whole body. So if type 2 diabetes rages out of control, it not only damages your heart, it also attacks your nerves, your eyes and your kidneys.

Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms at all. For others, the first symptom of type 2 diabetes and nerve damage, are often numbness in their hands and feet, or tingling or pain in their feet. Neuropathy typically begins with what is called the “stocking and glove effect… slight numbness that starts at the tips of your fingers or toes. Because most nerve damage occurs over many years, mild cases may go unnoticed for a long. long time.

The key to preventing and treating neuropathy is:

to get your diabetes, particularly your blood sugar levels, under control starting with:

• an eating plan which includes an abundance of low-GI foods and avoids high-GI foods as much as possible. Low-GI foods just nudge your blood sugars while high GI-foods can make your sugar levels skyrocket
• exercising daily… studies show that the ability of exercise to make cells more sensitive to insulin tapers off after just two days, so your blood sugar levels will start to rise again

Aim for the best glucose control with the help of your health care provider. If lifestyle changes do not do the job there are medications that can help.

Supplements for Treating Neuropathy:

Researchers have tested the effects of various supplements for the treatment of nerve damage. They are still undergoing research as to how effective they are but here is the list:

Alpha-lipoic acid. In Germany where much of the research has been carried out and the benefits of this powerful therapy are better known, alpha-lipoic acid is the preferred treatment for diabetic neuropathy. It is a strong antioxidant and may also improve your circulation.

Gamma-linolenic acid is an entirely new approach to the management of diabetic neuropathy. In trials it has been shown to reverse the existing neuropathy. Doses of 480 milligrams per day appears to reduce symptoms.

Carnitine has been shown to reduce pain in doses of 1,000 milligrams per day

Magnesium. Many studies show that diabetics have below average blood levels of magnesium and high urinary losses of this mineral. Magnesium supplements in doses of 300 milligrams per day, appears to slow the progression of neuropathy over the long term.

• Processed Sugar and How to Avoid It
• Get to Know the Warning Signs of Gestational Diabetes
• Are There Alternative Treatments For Diabetes Type 2? What Are They and Do They Work?
• Diet Precautions For Diabetics
• The Reverse Diabetes Diet That Has Been Proven to Work
• Number 1 Most Ridiculous Food Myth About Diabetes
• Getting a Deal on a Diabetic Blood Glucose Meter
• Diabetes Eating Tips

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