How Can I Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy?

Do you manage to keep your blood pressure under control?

Do you manage to keep your blood sugar levels within the range determined by you and your doctor?

Do you eat a healthy diet (you have included a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and you have limited your intake of saturated fats)?

If you are a smoker, have you stopped smoking?

Do you strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight?

Do you exercise moderately for about half an hour at least 5 days a week?

Do you keep your feet clean and dry?

Do you cut your toenails with caution so that they do not grow into the skin?

Do you wear orthopedic shoes that protect your feet especially around your toes?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help prevent diabetic neuropathy. High blood pressure can damage your nerves and blood vessels, contributing to diabetic neuropathy, so it is very important to keep your blood pressure under control. Adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your heart and arteries healthy, prevent hardening of the arteries and help circulation to the nerves in your feet and hands. Your feet must be clean and dry every day; wash them with lukewarm water and mild soap, then carefully dry them with a soft towel, including the area between the toes.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent diabetic neuropathy. It is very important to wear comfortable shoes that will protect the feet from injuries, especially the area around the toes. When you cut your nails, do it very carefully, in a straight line, so that the nails do not grow into the skin and eventually cause an infection. People who are overweight (BMI greater than 25) have an increased risk of diabetic neuropathy. If you are a smoker, try to stop smoking, because smoking, in addition to damaging the heart, hardens your arteries and impedes blood flow in your feet.