Diabetes and nerve system

Diabetic nerve damage (also called diabetic neuropathy) is a problem for many people with diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels damage the delicate coating of nerves. This damage can cause many problems, such as pain in your feet. There’s a lot you can do to take charge and prevent nerve damage. A recent study shows that controlling your blood glucose can help prevent or delay these problems. Controlling your blood glucose may also help reduce the pain from some types of nerve damage.

Some Signs of Diabetic Nerve Damage

Some signs of diabetic nerve damage are the pain, burning, tingling, or loss of feeling in the feet and hands. It can cause you to sweat abnormally, make it hard for you to tell when your blood glucose is low, and make you feel light-headed when you stand up.

Nerve damage can lead to other problems. Some people develop problems swallowing and keeping food down. Nerve damage can also cause bowel problems, make it hard to urinate, cause dribbling with urination, and lead to bladder and kidney infections. Many people with nerve damage have trouble having sex. For example, men can have trouble keeping their penis erect; a problem called impotence (erectile dysfunction). If you have any of these problems, tell your healthcare provider. There are ways to help in many cases.

Protecting Your Nerves From Damage

Keep Your Blood Glucose in Control- High blood glucose can damage your nerves as time goes by. Work with your health care team to keep your glucose levels as close to normal as you can.

Have a Physical Activity Plan- Physical activity or exercise may help keep some nerves healthy, such as those in your feet. Ask your health care team about an activity that is healthy for you.

Get Tested for Nerve Damage –Nerve damage can happen slowly. You may not even be aware you’re losing feeling in your feet. Ask your health care provider to check your feet at each visit. At least once a year, your provider should test how well you can sense temperature, pinprick, vibration, and position in your feet. If you have signs of nerve damage, your provider may want to do more tests. Testing can help your provider know what is wrong and how to treat it. Keep track of your foot exams.


TuDiabetes Live Interview with Dr. Shai Gozani, Founder and CEO of Neurometrix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPJ7BSA66Hk

Dr. Shai Gozani founded NeuroMetrix in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the board of directors and as our President and Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to forming the company, Dr. Gozani completed a neurophysiology research fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Gerald Fischbach at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gozani has published articles in the areas of basic and clinical neurophysiology, biomedical engineering and computational chemistry.

The SENSUS Pain Management System, developed by Neurometrix, is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator designed for people with diabetes and chronic pain. It is worn on one or both legs and is activated by simply pressing a button. SENSUS provides pain relief by stimulating the nerves that carry normal, non-painful sensations to the brain. Stimulation of these nerves changes the levels of certain natural chemicals in the nervous system that decrease pain.

Join us to learn more about this technology, now available to people with diabetes who experience painful neuropathy.

Category: Nonprofits & Activism
Uploaded by: Diabetes Hands Foundation
Hosted: youtube


TuDiabetes Master Chat Series: Foot Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o_L8EY31Fs

Foot Care, presented by Juliet Joseph

In 2011 Teachers College Columbia University launched its solely online Master of Science in Diabetes Education and Management program. This 36-credit inter-professional master’s program is offered to clinicians who are currently in or interested in the diabetes field. As part of a course requirement, students will present ‘Master Chats’ on a variety of topics they have chosen based on discussions taking place in the tudiabetes community. Master Chats will include a 10-15 presentation followed by a Q and A.

Category: Nonprofits & Activism
Uploaded by: Diabetes Hands Foundation
Hosted: youtube