Neuropathy is nerve damage and is characterized by a numbness or painful tingling in the feet, legs, hands and arms. The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the type of nerves that are affected (i.e. motor, sensory, or autonomic) and where these nerves are located in the body. It may be one or sometimes two or more types of nerves that are affected. It can also contribute to dementia. Neuropathy is a common side effect of diabetes, but can sometimes be caused by other factors, such as thyroid problems and chemotherapy. Frequently the cause of a neuropathy cannot be identified and it is designated as idiopathic. In medicine idiopathic means to arise spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause.
Common symptoms with motor nerve damage are muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms. Loss of balance and coordination may also occur. Sensory nerve damage can cause tingling, numbness, and pain. Sufferers describe this sensory nerve pain as: burning, freezing, a feeling of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock",or electric-like, with extreme sensitivity to touch. Autonomic nerve damage causes problems with involuntary functions. This can lead to symptoms such as abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, a reduced ability to perspire, constipation, incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Some doctors treat the symptoms of neuropathy with drugs such as oxycodone (an opioid pain reliever), anti-convulsants, and even ant-idepressants. Unfortunately, none of these drugs do anything to address the root cause of the nerve damage. For the patient, the most important step is for them to manage their blood sugar levels. Once their blood sugar is under control, then they can start supplementing their diet with alpha-lipoic acid.
Recent trials on high doses of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) at 600 mg per day, given intravenously, showed diabetic neuropathy syptoms were significantly reduced after three weeks. Other trials on diabetics given oral supplements of 600 mg per day have shown that some diabetics do respond to this too.
Order your Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), 60 caps of 600 mg here
Neuropathy is a serious condition which no diabetic should take lightly. It can lead to serious health problems and even death. This is why you should keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. The best advice is to go to your doctor and get them to monitor your progress without you having to take unnecessary drugs that only mask the symptoms of neuropathy.
Sources:
HealthCommunities.com, "Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms" http://www.healthcommunities.com/neuropathy/symptoms.shtml
Health Sciences Institute e-Alert (UK edition), 5 Dec 2011 "Neuropathy"
No comments:
Post a Comment