Tips for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. Symptoms include but aren’t limited to tingling, pain, and numbness in your hands and feet. Neuropathy is present in approximately 70% of people living with diabetes, and can impact nerves all over your body. One way to prevent and manage this is through diet. Try these tips for Diabetic Neuropathy:

• Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is a toxin and can make the symptoms of neuropathy worse. Your B12 levels can become depleted if you drink too much alcohol. It can also cause hypoglycemia, so make
sure to always have a snack when having a drink.

• Consider taking a B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to or worsen peripheral neuropathy which is in your hands and feet. B12 can be found in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, but some people need supplements. Get your levels checked and speak to your doctor.

• Manage your diet to prevent hypoglycemia. Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves that control digestion. The normal signs of hypoglycemia are shaking, sweating, fatigue & headache. Spread meals out over the course of the day and check your blood sugar more often.

• Replace refined grains with whole grains, such as whole wheat breads, whole wheat pastas, and brown rice. Refined grains lack B vitamins & fiber.

• Check if you have gluten sensitivity. If you have issues digesting gluten, the protein in wheat, rye, barley,
& some oats can worsen your neuropathy symptoms.

• Eat a nutrient dense diet to fight free radicals and keep cells healthy. Include foods like dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds that contain magnesium.

• Consider a lipoic acid supplement. Lipoic acid is a fatty acid necessary for turning blood sugar into energy.