Walking to prevent Neuropathy

Ashtur · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2004, 10:44 AM

Found this tidbit on the ADA website, and since you can't directlink to their newsarticles...

If you want to cut your risk of painful diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy), start walking.

In a four-year study of 78 men and women with type 2 in Rome, Italy, researchers divided the participants into two groups. Thirty-one participants (the exercise group) walked briskly for not less than four hours a week. The remaining 47 (the control group) remained sedentary. None of the participants had signs of neuropathy at the beginning of the study.

Among those in the control group, over four years almost 30 percent developed sensory neuropathy, which causes symptoms ranging from burning and tingling to numbness; 21 percent experienced changes in their ability to perceive vibration; and 17 percent developed motor neuropathy, which causes weakness and loss of dexterity.

However, in the exercise group, only 6.5 percent developed sensory neuropathy, about 13 percent experienced changes in their ability to perceive vibration, and not one developed motor neuropathy.

HeatherP · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2004, 10:59 AM

GOOD NEWS!

I just started walking again last weekend.

zookeeper671 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 02:25 AM

That's great, Heather.

How often and how long do you walk? I started walking, but stopped. A bit too tired at the moment. I had a little trouble with lows after the walks, which I'm sure I could figure out how to fix (proper pre-snack, etc.).

HeatherP · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2004, 10:48 AM

We got a treadmill, which is sort-of cheating, but at least I can walk no matter the weather!

I'm up to 40 mins at about 2.8 mph.

You should test before and after excercise. Right now I eat about 13-16 gms/carbs before excercise, and depending on what my b/s level is beforehand. If you burn thru that quickly, then try adding some protein, an oz of cheese can help.

Good luck!
HeatherP

bassplayer · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2004, 06:36 AM

Wow, this is good to know!

I walk about 1/2 hour during lunch on days the weather cooperates. Just started stationary biking first thing in the morning as well. Hopefully the exercise and new diet will help me to shed the pounds.

lgvincent · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2004, 09:16 AM

I used to ride a bike 20 miles almost every day, and started riding in 1979. After a gear wore out about 10 years ago that I haven't been able to afford to replace, I started walking 3 miles almost every day (only bad rain keeps me from walking). It hasn't stopped the numbness from developing in my toes and fingers.