Across the world millions of people are affected by diabetes. Diabetes is caused when the body is unable to make, or use insulin efficiently, and the blood sugar level shoots up. Tingling toes with diabetes should be discussed with the doctor immediately. The symptom is indicative of peripheral neuropathy. It is caused when the blood sugar surges and causes nerve damage.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetes can affect the nervous system in many different ways. In fact there are four types of diabetic neuropathy that can affect diabetics. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common kind of diabetic neuropathy. It first affects the fingers and toes, and may gradually also affect the legs and arms. The nerves are damaged and are unable to send the correct messages to the brain.
Some common symptoms of this condition include tingling toes, cramps, burning sensation, and muscle weakness. Patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy may also experience loss of coordination and numbness, or an inability to detect temperature difference. Tingling toes and numbness is often associated with type 2 diabetes. However, it may also be related to other conditions including vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism and arthritis.
Tips on Dealing with Tingling Toes with Diabetes
If you are diabetic and experience tingling toes it is recommended that you monitor your blood sugar level regularly. Most experts say that a balanced and healthy diet can help alleviate this symptom. Regular exercise is recommended as it keeps the body healthy and fit, and improves blood circulation to the extremities.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication and supplements to help deal with the tingling toes. Almost 50% of all diabetics experience nerve pain. Experts say that the right combination of medication, diet and exercise can help diabetics. Physical therapy should include low impact exercise such as swimming and yoga. High impact exercise should ideally be avoided by diabetics as it may increase numbness in the extremities.
Special Care for Hands and Feet
Peripheral neuropathy may be experienced differently by different patients. Some may experience tingling toes with diabetes, while others may feel numbness. Still others may experience burning and shooting pain. As the condition affects the nerves in the region, it is important that diabetics take special care of their feet and hands. Sometimes numbness may cause patients to overlook cuts and sores that may get infected.
Ideally patients should wash their hands and feet with warm water, and pat the skin dry. A lotion or cream may be used to moisturize the skin. The skin between the toes should not be left oily from the moisturizer. Diabetics should wear comfortable shoes that support their feet well.
f you are diabetic and experience tingling toes it is recommended that you monitor your blood sugar level regularly. Most experts say that a balanced and healthy diet can help alleviate this symptom. Regular exercise is recommended as it keeps the body healthy and fit, and improves blood circulation to the extremities.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication and supplements to help deal with the tingling toes. Almost 50% of all diabetics experience nerve pain. Experts say that the right combination of medication, diet and exercise can help diabetics. Physical therapy should include low impact exercise such as swimming and yoga. High impact exercise should ideally be avoided by diabetics as it may increase numbness in the extremities.
Special Care for Hands and Feet
Peripheral neuropathy may be experienced differently by different patients. Some may experience tingling toes, while others may feel numbness. Still others may experience burning and shooting pain. As the condition affects the nerves in the region, it is important that diabetics take special care of their feet and hands. Sometimes numbness may cause patients to overlook cuts and sores that may get infected.
Ideally patients should wash their hands and feet with warm water, and pat the skin dry. A lotion or cream may be used to moisturize the skin. The skin between the toes should not be left oily from the moisturizer. Diabetics should wear comfortable shoes that support their feet well.
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