BLOOD SUGAR AND NEUROPATHY IN Carroll IA

In the past two decades, diabetes has become an increasingly familiar condition in the United States. It has now become one of the most common disease processes, and the number of new cases continues to rise. Recent estimates suggest that nearly 26% of the American population is currently affected by diabetes, making it the seventh leading cause of death. Although diabetes can lead to a range of complications, from eye problems to mental health issues, diabetic neuropathy in Carroll IA is one of the most common and troublesome manifestations of the disease.

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What is the connection between blood sugar and neuropathy in Carroll IA?

As a result, providing relief to individuals suffering from diabetic neuropathy has become a top priority. One of the latest developments in the treatment of this complication has been an aggressive approach to controlling blood glucose levels, also known as enhanced glucose control. Nevertheless, any treatment can have inherent side effects. Our doctors at the Iowa Neuropathy and Pain Clinic have designed this article to provide you with information regarding diabetes and this new treatment process.

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What distinguishes type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

To better comprehend the treatment of diabetes, it's essential to understand the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When people discuss diabetes, they typically refer to the type 2 variation, which currently accounts for approximately 95% of all reported cases. The pathology behind type 2 diabetes differs from type 1 and generally affects people who have reached adolescence or older. It's primarily caused by poor dietary habits, resulting in insulin resistance that prevents the body from processing blood sugar. Consequently, the extra sugar is converted to fat, resulting in an overweight or obese appearance in people with type 2 diabetes.
In contrast, type 1 diabetes accounts for only about 5% of all cases of diabetes. It occurs when the body fails to produce insulin altogether, and it's more common in people under the age of 25, who usually maintain a thin or slim appearance.

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Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a medical condition that is often described using complex terminology, but its meaning is simple: it refers to nerve damage caused by diabetes. This disease affects every system and function in our bodies because nerves control them all. If someone has had diabetes for a long time, they typically have higher blood sugar levels than those without the disease. High blood sugar levels can be as harmful to nerves as sugar is to teeth, causing damage to blood vessels that supply nourishment to the nerves. This damage extends to structures that depend on these nerves, causing a long list of complications, including skin disorders, high blood pressure, stomach issues, kidney disease, vision problems, and mental health disorders. To healthcare providers and scientists, controlling blood sugar levels is an obvious solution to diabetic neuropathy.

Traditional treatments for diabetes include insulin injections and dietary modifications. However, a new treatment aimed at aggressively controlling glucose levels is emerging. High blood sugar levels have been identified as the primary cause of diabetic neuropathy. The challenge for researchers and healthcare providers is to maintain blood sugar levels within an ideal range to avoid potentially serious complications.

Doctors typically look for blood sugar readings to be between 70-100 mg/dl. In healthy individuals, blood glucose levels are primarily regulated by the hormones glucagon and insulin. However, individuals with diabetes have a problem with the function of insulin. Thus, developing ways to ensure safe levels of glucose in the blood has become an issue.

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Improvement in Glucose Management

According to Dr. Callaghan, a prominent researcher in this field, improved glucose control has demonstrated significant benefits for diabetic neuropathy, particularly for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Nevertheless, he has also determined that additional investigation is necessary to establish safe levels of blood glucose. The concern stems from the fact that as blood glucose levels fluctuate beyond optimal ranges, various complications, such as death, coma, behavioral abnormalities, muscle weakness, and weight gain, become more prevalent.

Although there is potential for individuals with diabetic neuropathy to benefit from this new treatment option, it is crucial to conduct further research to reduce any potential adverse effects. At Iowa Neuropathy and Pain Clinic located in Carroll, IA, our physicians are pleased to provide information about alternative, proven therapies that are less invasive for managing diabetes.