If you are a type 2 diabetic, you are no doubt familiar with the troubling symptoms of neuropathy, also known as nerve damage. This is a complication of diabetes that causes –
- numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
- inability to feel pain
- inability to feel changes in temperature
- inability to feel the position of your joints, which can lead to incoordination
- burning or shooting pains, especially at night.
Neuropathy can cause all the symptoms listed above, but have you ever thought it might be linked to bowel problems, i.e. constipation? According to an article in the Daily Express, the NHS has confirmed that neuropathy can lead to constipation— infrequent bowel movements and passing hard stools — and even to bladder incontinence (when you leak urine). It may also lead to gastroparesis.
Constipation can result in:
- bloating
- stomach pains
- difficulty passing stools
- diarrhea
What you can do
- Speak to your doctor. He/she may be able to prescribe treatments to relieve the symptoms.
- Include more fiber in the diet. Use more whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.
- Drink lots of water. This will help to keep stools softer.
- Use laxatives recommended by your doctor.
- Exercise regularly
Untreated diabetes can affect your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Becoming educated about the illness can help you combat its debilitating effects. To learn more about how you can control type 2 diabetes, please fill in the form below.
Do you suffer from type 2 diabetes? Would you like to know how to control or even reverse your diabetes through proper diet and exercise? Then fill out the form below for a free discovery session. Contact me.
