A Plan Of Action To Control Diabetic Neuropathy PainIf patients who have been diabetic from long and have poor blood sugar control, complain of nerve pain (especially in the limbs) - they could be victim of diabetic neuropathy. For such patients, especially of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a strict plan of action is needed to control diabetic neuropathy pain. So let's look at this 3 steps plan below. It includes a step to keep blood sugar under control; another step to treat nerve pain; and a step to sidetrack further damage. Step to control blood sugar- This is the most important step. Patients need to strictly check and monitor their blood glucose levels regularly as many times as has been advised by their doctors. Patients will be able to find the cause of variations in their blood sugar level with practice based on their diet and certain other factors. This will help them make appropriate changes in them in consultation with their doctors. The result will be better control of their blood sugar levels. The patients need to always keep the target level of blood sugar in mind. The prescribed target is 90 to 130 mg/dl of blood sugar (before meals) and less than 180 mg/dl of blood sugar 1 to 2 hours after starting a meal. However, based on the specific conditions of patients, these targets are often revised by doctors. Another aspect of keeping blood sugar levels under control relates to the diet of patients, especially those who have diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Strictly following the specific balanced diabetes diet recommended by doctors will help patients keep better control over their respective blood sugar levels. The diet would involve the details of what, how much, and when to eat. The third aspect related with blood sugar control involves activity and exercise. Being active for thirty minutes per day can keep help blood sugar level in control. Keeping to the specific exercise and activity program recommended by their doctors will help patients meet the targets. Over (and heavy) exercise is also harmful. Taking walks every day helps keep the body fit. A1c testing helps monitor blood sugar levels over time. It measures the average amount of blood sugar in a patient over a period of 2 to 3 months. The target level is under 7%. Insulin injections can also help patients avoid diabetes neuropathy. Step to treat nerve pain- Self-care techniques such as frequent walks and taking warm baths under doctor's advice can help relieve mild neuropathic pain. Further, finding the right combination of medications to relieve diabetic neuropothy pain for a specific patient takes time. However, once the right combination has been found, the medications need to be taken strictly as advised. Other therapies such as acupuncture can also help. Step to sidetrack further damage- It is very important to continue to keep blood sugar and weight under control and take special care of feet to keep diabetic neuropathic pain at bay. Patients need to remember this last step as most of them falter at it. |