Prediabetes Can Cause Nerve Damage in the Feet
Diabetes often sneaks up on us and may at first exhibit few symptoms. However, over time the excess glucose in the blood can slowly damage vital organs. If you have been told by your doctor that you have prediabetes, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is not a potentially dangerous condition.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a warning that you may be on the road to diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes via a blood test, your blood sugar level is higher than it should be but not yet in the range for diabetes.
When you have prediabetes, your body’s production of insulin that helps regulate your blood sugar isn’t working quite well. And you are more likely to have a stroke or get heart disease.
Prediabetes and Nerve Damage
Prolonged high blood sugar levels, even those in the prediabetes range, can damage your nerves. This diabetic neuropathy can lead to numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the extremities such as the feet, toes and hands.
Your feet are especially vulnerable to nerve damage as well as blood vessel damage from high blood sugar. For those with prediabetes, even a minor blister, cut or puncture can lead to an infection. If not identified or treated early, an infection can lead to a dangerous ulcer that may require amputation.
Take Action To Lower Your Risk of Complications from Prediabetes
Here are 3 lifestyle changes that you can make right now to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes:
Control your weight. Losing as little as 5% or 10% of your body weight can make a difference.
Exercise. Get some form of exercise for 30 minutes each day. Any aerobic exercise like swimming, walking or cycling is best. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Improve your nutrition. Choose low-fat protein, vegetables and whole grains and limit starchy and sugary carbohydrates.
By taking action now, you can reduce your risk of developing many health problems such as heart disease and stroke, nerve and blood vessel damage, kidney and eye damage and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Please Come See Us If You Have Any Foot or Ankle Pain
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors who is consisted of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Ryan Donegan is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices conveniently located in Enfield, Windsor and South Windsor, CT.