Maintaining healthy nerves
NERVES are the communication network that senses and processes stimuli and then signals to other tissues, such as muscles, to respond. Neuropathy refers to a medical condition where nerves are damaged. It is caused by a variety of reasons but diabetes is the most prevalent cause. It is known as diabetic neuropathy in medical terms.
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, in which nerves or a group of nerves are damaged as a result of high blood sugar levels.
Although there might be no symptoms in the early stage, the following symptoms may develop as the disease progresses:
– Pain, tingling, numbness or loss of feeling in the toes, hands, arms, feet and legs.
– Wasting of the muscles of the feet or hands
– Indigestion, nausea or vomiting – Constipation or diarrhoea
– Feeling dizzy or faint due to drop in blood pressure after standing or sitting up – Problem with urination
– Erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women.
One of the most common complications of diabetic neuropathy is loss of limb. 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 circulation in diabetics. Eventually, amputation may be necessary if treatment is no longer possible.
While you may know diabetes can lead to amputation, you may not know that the actual cause of amputation is nerve damage, which can actually be avoided with proper nerve care.
Foot care tips
Proper foot care is necessary to prevent or reduce the risk of amputations.
– Inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, blisters, cracks, redness, swelling or other problems. Use a mirror or get help if you cannot see the bottom of your feet.
– Wash your feet daily with warm water and a mild soap. Dry them with a soft towel and dry carefully between your toes.
– Moisturise your feet with lotion, but avoid getting lotion between your toes.
– Cut your toenails regularly.
– Avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries.
– Wear shoes that fit well. Break in new shoes gradually by first wearing them for only an hour at a time.
– Before putting your shoes on, look them over carefully and feel the insides to make sure there are no objects inside that might hurt your feet.
– Attend to foot injuries promptly.
– Have regular foot exams with a doctor who will be able to identify problems sooner than you.
Benefits of early high dose vitamin B in diabetic neuropathy
Neurotropic B vitamins contribute to nerve care via different biochemical mechanisms to nourish and help regenerate nerves – thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6) and cobalamin (B12).
Each has been found to have unique essential roles, which contribute to nerve function.
Vitamin B1 is involved in energy metabolism, helps in maintaining the myelin sheath covering the axon of nerves and in the synthesis of key signalling molecules in the nervous system known as neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters
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, such as people with diabetes and those with elevated risk of B vitamin deficiency, early detection and treatment of neuropathy is crucial to avoid irreversible damage to nerves.
As part as its continuous initiatives to raise awareness on the importance of healthy nerves, Merck is providing nerve test using biothesiometer at selected pharmacies nationwide.
This article is brought to you by Merck Sdn Bhd.
■ For more information, e-mail ch.my@ merckgroup.com