Over time people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy throughout their entire body. Problems can occur in every organ including the digestive tract, heart and sex organs. But, not all diabetics are aware they have nerve damage, some may show no symptoms whatsoever. Others may have symptoms such as:

• pain
• tingling
• numbness or
• weakness

in their hands or feet. It pays to take these signs seriously … although this condition can get better, if you are not careful it can get worse.

Unfortunately, health care providers are unable to tell which of their diabetic patients are going to develop these neuropathies. This is interesting though … a recent scientific study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, revealed that diabetic neuropathy occurs more in those with high triglyceride levels than in diabetics with normal triglyceride levels.

Additionally, diabetics with neuropathy and high triglyceride levels found nerve damage developed rapidly, usually within a year. Diabetics with normal triglyceride levels did not develop nerve damage during this time. Further, this research revealed:

• other blood cholesterol levels were of no consequence to nerve damage
• high triglyceride levels are definitely an important predictor of the development of diabetic neuropathy
• nerve fiber damage and loss is not associated with how long you have had type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar control or other variables

This study involved 427 people with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage.

What are triglycerides? They are molecules of fat transported in your blood for various purposes and having a certain amount in your blood is normal. However, high triglyceride levels increase the risk of:

• heart problems
• disease of the pancreas

A normal fasting reading is less than 150 mg/dl. If you have a value higher that 150 mg/dl especially if it reaches above 200 mg/dl, you are at risk for coronary artery disease and the complications of neuropathy.

Research shows:

• if your diet is high in refined carbohydrates this will cause a temporary rise in triglycerides
• high fiber and low-GI foods seem to have the opposite effect
• exercise such as walking will lower triglyceride levels by an average of 10mg/dl. More strenuous exercise will have a greater effect
• alcohol raises triglyceride levels so avoiding alcohol will lower them

Diabetic neuropathy or neuropathies, are nerve disorders caused by many abnormalities common to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment first involves bringing your blood sugar levels under control and to within the normal range and this will help to prevent or delay the onset of further health issues.

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