Giving your feet due attention

PEOPLE who experience pins and needles in the feet may not think much of them. However, if this sensation persists, it may signal a condition known as neuropathy or nerve damage, which could lead to bigger problems.

Neuropathy is caused by a variety of reasons, including diabetes, alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, an infection, cancer, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to toxins and diseases that cause chronic inflammation involving the nerves.

Among them, diabetes is the most prevalent cause of nerve damage. This is called diabetic neuropathy, which happens when nerves or a group of nerves are damaged as a result of high blood sugar level. Here are some statistics on diabetic neuropathy:

Up to 50% of people with diabetes will suffer from diabetic neuro athy over the course of cr

n o not y toms. ce of diabetic es wi age and

uropathy st rts tic tage a tic h hen diagn tic pa thy o ts sed e am complication, due to low awareness.

Only 28% are aware that people with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to have an amputation than people without diabetes.

Most people take footcare for granted. For diabetics, however, caring for the feet is a serious matter with unfortunate consequences if neglected.

Because nerve damage can cause reduced or loss of sensation in the feet, sores and small injuries may go unnoticed and become badly ulcerated, infected and difficult to heal. The healing process is also compromised by poorer blood circulation in diabetics.

Eventually, amputation of the toe, foot or even lower leg may be necessary if treatment is no longer possible.

Amputation and foot ulceration are common and serious problems among diabetics, but they can be prevented or delayed if identified early and dealt with.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults with diabetes undergo annual health screenings to detect diabetic neuropathy.

There are five simple clinical tests for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy of the legs and arms. They include tests for pinprick sensation and ankle reflexes, vibration testing using a tuning fork, and testing using a device own as a biothesiometer.

As part of its continuous initiative to raise awareness of the importance of healthy nerves, Merck is providing nerve tests using a biothesiometer at selected pharmacies nationwide.

Tight blood sugar level control, appropriate dietary control, proper footcare, regular exercise and smoking cessation are important to prevent or delay neuropathy and its complications.

Benefits of B vitamins

Neurotropic B vitamins nourish and help regenerate nerves. These vitamins are thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6) and cobalamin (B12).

Vitamin B1 is involved in energy metabolism, the synthesis of neurotransmitters and maintenance of the myelin sheath that covers the axon of nerves.

Vitamin B6 helps synthesise neurotransmitters while vitamin B12 is involved in nerve cell maturation and regeneration, nerve cell metabolism and formation of nerve myelin sheaths.

In populations at risk of neuropathy, especially diabetics, early detection and treatment of neuropathy is crucial to avoid irreversible damage to nerves.

Seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concern regarding diabetes or diabetic neuropathy.

This article is brought to you by Merck Sdn Bhd.

For more information, e-mail ch.my@merckgroup.com.