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Treatment of diabetes and sciatica
According to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, over 8% of the US population has diabetes. That number is increasing, and the CDC reports that a third of children born in 2000 are expected to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition are responsible for the increasing rate of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common. Type 1 occurs due to an immune disorder that leads to the destruction of cells that produce insulin in the body. Type 2 diabetes is associated with either a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is responsible for removing glucose from the blood...
Treatment of diabetes and sciatica
According to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, over 8% of the US population has diabetes. That number is increasing, and the CDC reports that a third of children born in 2000 are expected to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition are responsible for the increasing rate of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common. Type 1 occurs due to an immune disorder that leads to the destruction of cells that produce insulin in the body. Type 2 diabetes is associated with either a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose from the blood into cells. Insulin deficiency or improper use causes high levels of glucose to build up in the blood while cells go without it. Type 2 diabetes is a diet-related disease.
Diabetes and sciatica
One of the many complications that can arise from diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which is pain, numbness, or tingling in the limbs of the body caused by nerve damage. The exact mechanisms are not known, but high blood sugar levels are known to adversely affect nerve function. The 2011 Fact Sheet states that 60-70% of diabetics have some degree of nervous system damage. The sciatic nerve, the largest in the body, is often affected by diabetes. It runs from the lumbar spine to the foot on each side of the body.
Sciatica can be common in diabetics not only because of high glucose levels but also because of excess weight. Obesity is a risk factor for both diabetes and sciatica. Excessive pressure on the spine can compress the discs and lead to bulges or hernias. The discs can interfere with the nerves as they leave the spine.
If you have diabetes and feel either pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back area that extends down the leg, you probably have sciatica. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, constant hunger, fatigue and slow healing. If you are experiencing these in conjunction with sciatica symptoms but don't know if you are diabetic, it is a good idea to get tested.
Treatment of diabetic sciatica
The best way to treat sciatica caused by diabetes is to treat diabetes. In our culture, medicine is often viewed as the first and last line of defense. However, medication should be viewed as a temporary measure while diet and lifestyle changes are pursued as a more permanent treatment. Losing weight and giving your body foods that are easier to process can reduce or even eliminate the need to use medications to control diabetes.
The main focus of a diabetes diet plan is to keep carbohydrate intake low and constant, as carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the body. It is important to only consume a small amount of carbohydrates at a time and to eat them at regular times each day to prevent blood sugar levels from rising.
Fat levels also need to be kept under control to reduce stress on the pancreas and liver. Saturated fats should be strictly limited, while trans fats should be avoided altogether.
A nutritionist can help you develop a plan that ensures you get the nutrients your body needs while avoiding unhealthy foods. Mild exercise will likely be part of your treatment; Adding a 30-minute walk to your day can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight.
Some herbal supplements can help lower blood sugar levels naturally, but there are few studies on alternative medicine for diabetes. If you are considering a supplement to lower blood sugar, be sure to talk to your doctor. When these supplements are combined with medications, it can cause glucose levels to become too low. See the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine page at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/diabetes/CAM-and-diabetes.htm Information about nutritional supplements for diabetics.
Managing diabetes and its associated problems requires a commitment to lifestyle changes. While diet and exercise may not be enough to initially treat your condition, they may be able to reduce or eliminate your dependence on medication by allowing your body to function properly on its own.
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