Diet for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathies are nerve disorders associated with diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearing House about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy. The most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy involving the nerves of the body's extremities.

Suggested Diet for Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

• The primary concern is to eat a balanced diet appropriate for the control of the diabetes. This includes a calorie intake appropriate for the level of activity of the person. Fiber rich foods are suggested with two servings of fruit and two and a half servings of vegetables suggested each day. Meat consumption should be limited to low-fat cuts.

  Prepared foods should be scrutinized for sugar content. Look for foods and beverages with little or no added sugar. Alcohol intake should be limited to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Smoking also increases the chance of peripheral neuropathy, particularly foot problems. Any diabetic neuropathy patient who smokes is urged to quit.

  Whole grains are preferred to processed grain products. Many diets recommend at least half the daily intake of grain products be made up of whole grain.

  Sodium intake also should be limited. Watch not only the consumption of salt but the sodium level of prepared foods.

  One of the symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy can be pain in the extremities of the body. Non-prescription drugs can be used to alleviate the pain. In severe cases doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications and even anti-depressants.

  In some cases the neuropathy affects the nerves of the digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms as mild as burping and gas or as severe as persistent nausea and vomiting. Suggested diets in these cases include eating smaller meals more frequently and limiting fats and fiber. Occasionally drugs to alleviate nausea and to speed digestion are prescribed by doctors. Diabetic neuropathy of the digestive tract is a particular concern because abnormal digestion causes the glucose level in the blood to fluctuate making the treatment of the diabetes more difficult.

  Exercise can also play a part in controlling diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Physical activity of an hour for children and a half hour for young children is suggested. Because diabetic peripheral neuropathy often affects the nerves in the feet, proper foot hygiene is important especially for diabetic patients that exercise. Wear seamless socks and shoes that fit well and inspect the feet for sores every day.