How long does it take for diabetes to damage your nerves?

Peripheral neuropathy results in loss of sensation and pain in the feet or in the hands, and is caused by damage to the nerves.

It is quite common in people who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes and having this disease increases a person’s chances of developing ulcers on the feet as well as on the lower legs.

These non-healing types of ulcers may even lead to lower limb amputation…

Diabetes can lead to a type of neuropathy which is called diabetic neuropathy.

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy range from pain and numbness to a reduced capability of the nerves to transmit the messages through them.

When the underlying cause is addressed, it is usually a preventive strategy, especially in the case of diabetic neuropathy.

For instance, controlling high blood sugar levels can minimize and prevent the damage to nerves.

When you have a metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance might play an important role in the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high serum triglycerides, and low serum high-density lipoprotein can all lead to a metabolic syndrome.

Regardless of whether diabetes has led to nerve damage or not, it is still important to get a semblance of control over blood sugar levels.

This is important to prevent any further damage to the nerves, besides offering a lot of other health advantages.

Other than controlling blood sugar levels, those people who suffer from diabetes (any type) can prevent the onset of diabetic neuropathy in the following ways:

• By quitting smoking

• By reducing their consumption of alcohol

• By maintaining a healthy weight

• By exercising regularly

It can take up to 10 years for nerve damage to develop after being diagnosed with diabetes.

The longer you have diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels the more you are at risk of developing neuropathy and nerve damage.

Approx 50% of people with diabetes suffer from some level of neuropathic nerve damage.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program