Diabetic neuropathy refers to the nerve damage caused by diabetes. While there are many contributing risk factors for neuropathy, such as inherited traits and injuries, high blood glucose levels are likely a main cause of this condition. Diabetic neuropathy is still being studied, but it is believed to be affected by low levels of insulin, unusual blood fat levels, and the long-term nature of diabetes.

There are four main classifications of diabetic neuropathy, and each one affects different parts of the body.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the legs, feet, and toes, and to a lesser extent, the arms and hands. Peripheral neuropathy causes pain or loss of feeling in the affected areas. Some diabetics experience burning or prickling sensations, become very sensitive to touch, or lose balance or coordination. Foot injuries must be given particular attention for diabetics with peripheral neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy has many varied effects, especially on the heart and blood vessels, the digestive system, the urinary tract, sex organs, sweat glands, and the eyes. Autonomic neuropathy can affect blood pressure, sexual activity, and normal functioning of the bowel and bladder. This condition may also cause diabetics to be unable to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. Autonomic neuropathy may cause weight loss, a sustained high heart rate, and reduced night vision.

Proximal neuropathy affects the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Diabetics may experience pain and a weakening of the legs. Proximal neuropathy is more common in Type 2 diabetics and in older diabetics.

Focal neuropathy generally affects the eyes, face, ears, pelvis, lower back, thighs, and abdomen, though any nerve in the body may experience focal neuropathy. This condition causes weakness or pain in muscles due to the weakening of the affected nerve(s). It is most common in older diabetics, but does not cause long-term damage and is self-healing over time.

To prevent diabetic neuropathy, your best course of action is to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent nerve damage. In addition, diabetic neuropathy may be treated with many methods:

• Proper foot care, including daily inspection for injuries.
• Pain relievers, hypnosis, acupuncture, and other pain-relieving methods.
• Medication for digestive problems.
• Eating small, frequent meals that are lower in fat and fiber, or other diet modifications as specified by your doctor.
• Wearing elastic stockings to improve circulation.
• Antibiotics to clear up infections and to help regulate digestive problems.
• Medications to increase sexual function.

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If insulin is a part of your diabetes care routine, using a high-quality pen needle is a must. American Diabetes Wholesale has a wide variety to choose from, manufactured by companies such as BD, UltiMed, and PiC Indolor.

BD Pen Needles
BD produces a series of ultra-fine pen needles in original, short, and mini pen sizes. The BD Ultra-Fine Original Pen Needle is a ½" (12.7 mm) needle with a 29 gauge. This pen has BD’s widest inner diameter, which makes it easier to discharge the insulin when you press the push button. This needle is especially useful for diabetics who take larger doses of insulin or who have limited dexterity. The BD Ultra-Fine Original Pen Needle can be used as a replacement needle for a number of insulin pen delivery devices, including the FlexPen, InnoLet, InDuo, Humalog Pen, and others. You may also wish to try the BD Ultra-Fine III Short Pen Needle. This thin and delicate needle is created for greater comfort in insulin delivery, and is BD’s best-selling pen needle. Its advanced technology allows insulin to flow more freely, and its size is appropriate for most users.

PiC Indolor
Insupen Insulin Pen Needles are produced by PiC Indolor and feature the Ultrafin PiC needle. Each needle is triple-sharpened and treated with special lubricant for a less painful injection. In addition, Insupen needles have a reduced diameter and thinner walls that also aid in easier penetration, better insulin flow, and shorter injection time. Insupen Insulin Pen Needles are available in sizes ranging from 6mm to 12 mm, and from 29g to 32g. Insupen short pen needles (6mm) are ideal for thinner people or for children, while the longer pen needles (12mm) are appropriate for people with thick subcutaneous tissue.

UltiMed Pen Needles
UltiMed offers pen needles that range from ¼" mini pen needles to ½" original pen needles. The Ulti-Fine IV UltiCare Mini Pen Needles have a 31 gauge and are sterile for single use. These non-toxic, non-pyrogenic needles feature UltiComfort injection for maximum comfort. They can be used as replacement needles for insulin pen delivery devices such as the Autopen, BD pen, Humilin pen, and NovoPen Junior. For your pet, American Diabetes Wholesale offers the UltiCare Vet Rx Veterinary Mini Pen Needle. This 31 gauge, ¼" needle may be used as a replacement needle for all Type A insulin pen delivery devices.

Italian Chicken

Serves: 4

Nutritional Analysis:
One serving (prepared with no-salt-added stewed tomatoes and calculated without spaghetti) equals: 177 calories , 178 mg sodium, 73 mg cholesterol, 7 g carbohydrate, 28 g protein, 3 g fat

Food Exchange: 3 very lean meat, 2 vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian stewed tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cold water
• Hot cooked spaghetti

Preparation:
In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray; cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, bring tomatoes, mushrooms, basil and garlic powder to a boil.

Combine cornstarch and water; add to tomato mixture. Return to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Serve chicken over spaghetti, top with tomato sauce.

Source: www.RecipeGoldMine.com