2957. Diabetes, Pancreas & Weight Loss 5) Diabetic Retinopathy

. Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. This version initially affects the feet and legs, then spreads to the hands and arms. Symptoms are usually worse at night and include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes, tingling or burning sensations, sharp pains, or cramps. Some people with this condition experience amplified sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes, especially in the ankles. Loss of balance and coordination, and severe foot issues such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain can also be indicators of peripheral neuropathy.

2. Autonomic Neuropathy

The autonomic nervous system controls your heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sex organs, and eyes. Diabetes can have an impact on nerves in these parts of the body. Bladder problems such as urinary tract infections, urinary retention, or incontinence can result from autonomic neuropathy. Other issues include constipation and uncontrolled diarrhea. People experience slow stomach-emptying, which can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Difficulty swallowing, increased or decreased sweating, problems controlling body temperature, and changes in how your eyes adjust from light to dark might all occur with this type of neuropathy. It can increase your heart rate while at rest. Sharp drops in blood pressure after standing can cause you to feel lightheaded. A person with autonomic neuropathy may also experience erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and decreased sexual response.

3. Radiculoplexus Neuropathy

Radiculoplexus neuropathy impacts nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and legs. These signs of neuropathy are common in people with type 2 diabetes and older adults. Symptoms tend to affect only one side of the body but may spread to the other. Eventually, this condition causes the thigh muscles to get weak and shrink. People may find it difficult to rise from a sitting position. Abdominal swelling can lead to unexpected weight loss.

4. Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy, or focal neuropathy, damages a particular nerve in the face, the middle of the body, or the leg. It usually occurs in older adults. Mononeuropathy often attacks suddenly and can cause extreme pain, though long-term issues are rare. The symptoms, which depend on which nerve is affected, generally go away without treatment over a few weeks or months. You may experience pain in the shin or foot, lower back, or pelvis. Also, the front of the thigh, chest, or abdomen can hurt. Mononeuropathy can also cause nerve problems in the face and eyes, which may lead to trouble focusing, double vision, and aching behind one eye. In some cases, individuals with mononeuropathy develop Bell's palsy or paralysis on one side of the face.

# Symptoms

Neuropathy means that there is some degree of damage or injury to the nerves. This causes the nerves to become numb and affected individuals may experience sensations of tingling in certain parts of the body.

Since nerves function to relay messages of sensation or impulses back to the central nervous system, damage or injury to the nerves reduces the sensitivity of the nerves to touch, temperature, pain and more. The affected nerves are no longer functioning properly. Neuropathy most commonly affects the peripheral nerves which are located furthest away from the central nervous system and heart. As there is an increasing loss of perception of stimuli in the affected area, numbness ensues.

Some individuals affected with peripheral neuropathy can sometimes experience pain that can be described as sharp and shooting in nature. It most commonly occurs in the legs. Some even experience pain from stimulus that normally should not cause pain (such as a light touch). Neuropathic pain does not start suddenly or resolve quickly and the intensity of pain can often wax and wane throughout the entire course of the day.

Patients at risk of neuropathic pain include those with diabetes, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, stroke, human immunodeficiency virus infection, multiple sclerosis, cancer treatments, and shingles. Neuropathic pain can be described as sharp, hot, cold, dull, itchy, stinging, burning, or deep.

Allodynia is a medical term that refers to sensitivity to pain that occurs without non-painful stimulation. Allodynia can be aggravated by stimuli such as temperature or physical stimuli and can provoke a burning sensation. It is different from hyperalgesia which is an exaggerated response to a stimulus that can be painful.

Hyperalgesia is the increased sensitivity to pain that may occur due to the damage of receptors or peripheral nerves. There are two types of hyperalgesia, where the primary form refers to pain occurring in damaged tissues while the secondary form refers to pain that happens in surrounding undamaged tissues. Both are seen in neuropathy and affect 15 to 50% of patients affected by it.

The most recommended supplements for Diabetic retinopathy are: CoQ10, Magnesium Glycinate, & Vitamin C.

1. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has gained significant attention in recent years as a potential therapeutic agent for various health conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment or even blindness. CoQ10, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body, plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and protection against oxidative stress. Several studies have suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may have beneficial effects on diabetic retinopathy by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. CoQ10's antioxidant properties help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect retinal cells from damage. Additionally, CoQ10's ability to improve mitochondrial function and enhance energy production may contribute to the maintenance of retinal health.

Suggested Use: Take one (1) capsule twice a day as a dietary supplement. For best results, take 20-30 min before a meal or as directed by your healthcare professional.

2. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Glycine, an amino acid, enhances the absorption and bioavailability of magnesium in the body. Studies have suggested that magnesium supplementation, particularly in the form of Magnesium Glycinate, may have positive effects on diabetic retinopathy by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. Magnesium Glycinate's ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels may also contribute to its potential benefits in managing diabetic retinopathy.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can contribute to the development of complications associated with diabetes. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, vitamin C may help to preserve the integrity of the blood vessels and prevent the damage that can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining the structure and function of the blood vessels. By supporting the production of collagen, vitamin C may help to strengthen the blood vessels in the retina and reduce the risk of leakage or bleeding. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of vitamin C on diabetic retinopathy, early studies have shown promising results. In one clinical trial, patients with diabetic retinopathy who received high-dose vitamin C supplementation experienced improvements in their retinal function and a reduction in retinal thickness. These findings suggest that vitamin C may have a beneficial effect on the progression of diabetic retinopathy and could potentially be used as a complementary therapy alongside existing treatments.

Suggested Use: Take two (2) gummies a day as a dietary supplement.