Image by: Towfiqu barbhuiya
Special guest contributor
This summer, do not allow any medical condition keep you from enjoying some good sun and warmer weather. In my opinion, I almost gave up, with getting out and enjoying my life as a single parent.
The pain was like no other, that I’ve ever felt before in my life. It was worse then maybe a ton of bricks falling down on me like a demolition of an old building.
I got up out of my bed and rushed to the bathroom but with a slight gait. One, my feet were on fire like the burning bush, two this was the second time I urinated in 2 hours during the night.
In addition, to being diagnosed with diabetes, the neuropathy was just an added bonus. My late father was 63, when he died from diabetes complications.
My dad was obese and a huge man at 6′ 4, 260 pounds. As a result, he was a stubborn man, who ate his way through pig chitterlings, “pork anything”, and he’d never visited a doctor.
My older sister Carolyn, suffered from the condition as well, yet hers is maintained with Metformin. And my mom, who is now in her late 70’s, is fine, yet her griefs are too much to carry.
Consequently, my mom will find anything to grieve about, so I just keep quiet when I have pain.
I use to work at an auto plant in North Carolina, and those steel toed shoes were like wearing a hot oven. They did not do any justice for my burning feet.
I tried everything, and I think the pain killers and numbing cream only intensified the effects. So with all regards, there was no need to wallow in self pity. Because I am here, hoping that my story helps others to cope.
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, and high levels of fats, such as triglycerides, in the blood from diabetes can damage your nerves.
The Numbers:
Diagnosed Cases of Diabetes
| Age-adjusted percentage of diagnosed diabetes for adults aged 18 and over, 2018-2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic Black | Non-Hispanic Black / Non-Hispanic White Ratio | |
| Men | 12.2 | 1.5 |
| Women | 12.1 | 1.7 |
| Total | 12.1 | 1.6 |
More:
What are the 5 main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
- Tingling or burning feeling.
- Sharp pains or cramps.
- Muscle weakness.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch — for some people, even a bedsheet’s weight can be painful.
- Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint damage.
Treatment:
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY TREATMENT
There are four main components of diabetic neuropathy treatment:
●Control of blood sugar levels
●Lifestyle interventions, specifically diet and exercise
●Care for the feet to prevent complications
●Control of pain caused by neuropathy
Although there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, use of these treatments can improve painful symptoms and prevent complications.
References:
