Treatment of diabetes and sciatica

According to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, more than 8% of the US population has diabetes. This number is increasing, and the CDC reports that one-third of children born in 2000 are expected to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Sedentary lifestyles and poor diets are responsible for the increased rate of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most prevalent. Type 1 occurs due to an immune disorder that leads to the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the body. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a lack of insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is responsible for moving glucose from the blood into the cells. A deficiency of insulin or improper use of it causes high levels of glucose to build up in the blood, while cells run out of 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 extremities of the body caused by nerve damage. The exact mechanisms are not known, but it is known that high blood glucose levels negatively affect nerve function. The 2011 fact sheet states that 60-70% of diabetics have some level of nervous system damage. The sciatic nerve, the largest in the body, is often affected by diabetes. It extends 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. Being overweight is a risk factor for both diabetes and sciatica. Excess pressure on the spine can compress the discs in the spine, which can cause them to bulge or herniate. The discs can interfere with the nerves as they leave the spine.

If you have diabetes and feel pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back and down your leg, you likely have sciatica. The symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, constant hunger, fatigue, and slow healing. If you experience them along with sciatica symptoms but don’t know if you’re diabetic, it’s a good idea to get tested.

Diabetic sciatica treatment

The best way to treat sciatica caused by diabetes is to treat the diabetes. In our culture, medicine is often seen as the first and last line of defense. However, medication should be viewed as a temporary measure while dietary and lifestyle changes are sought as a more permanent treatment. Losing weight and giving your body foods that are easier to process can reduce or even eliminate your need for diabetes medication.

The main focus of any diabetes diet plan is to keep carbohydrate intake low and constant, since carbohydrates are converted to glucose in the body. It is important to eat only a small amount of carbohydrates at a time and eat them at regular times each day to avoid a spike in blood glucose levels.

Fat levels must also be kept in check to ease the burden on the pancreas and liver. Saturated fats should be strictly limited, while trans fats should be completely avoided.

A dietitian can help you come up with a plan that ensures you get the nutrients your body needs while avoiding unhealthy foods. Light exercise is likely to 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 may help naturally lower blood sugar levels, but studies on alternative medicine for diabetes are few and far between. Also, when considering a supplement to lower blood glucose, be sure to talk to your doctor; If these supplements are combined with medications, they can cause glucose levels to drop too low. See the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine page at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/diabetes/CAM-and-diabetes.htm for information on supplements for diabetics.

Treating diabetes and the problems it causes requires a commitment to lifestyle changes. While diet and exercise may not be enough to control your condition initially, they can eventually reduce or eliminate your dependence on medications by allowing your body to function properly on its own.