In the United States, diabetes affects one in ten individuals, making it one of the most common health disorders in the country. This chronic metabolic condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. Long term health effects can include kidney disease, loss of vision, and heart disease, but there are also other ways that diabetes interacts with the body.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes can experience a higher amount of specific cytokines that cause an inflammatory response in the related nerve channels. This can cause repeated discomfort as a result of insulin resistance, leading to the inflammation of joints and other areas of the body. While there is no known cure for diabetes or correlating inflammation, there are ways to reduce the impact of the condition while still maintaining a great quality of life.
How Diabetes Affects the Body
There are three different varieties of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Each of these conditions requires individualized care and can affect the body differently depending on the presence of supplemental treatments such as medication and exercise.
Type 1
Those with type 1 diabetes can be impacted at any age, though many find that they experience more symptoms as they get older. These symptoms include stomach pain or discomfort, including nausea and vomiting, as well as increased hunger and weight loss. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is important to seek a medical professional and begin treatment.
Type 2
Individuals with type 2 diabetes often experience similar symptoms to those with type 1, but they can be more challenging to identify. Type 2 diabetes often becomes more intense with age, as many individuals who are diagnosed tend to be adults. Symptoms for type 2 also include fatigue, wounds that heal slowly, and high levels of thirst that are coupled with frequent urination.
Inflammation
For individuals who experience diabetes, inflammation can occur in the joints, muscles, or excess adipose tissue. Internal inflammation can cause pain throughout different areas of the body. Let your doctor know where it occurs so they can identify an appropriate course of treatment. This chronic discomfort can be reduced through diet, exercise, medication, and management of stress levels and emotions.
How to Reduce Inflammation Caused by Diabetes
One of the best ways to actively reduce inflammation is to adjust your diet. This is a common recommendation for individuals with diabetes, but the benefits of a balanced diet cannot be overstated. It can be challenging to completely rehaul your eating habits, which is why many individuals first incorporate foods that reduce inflammation and then begin to reduce the foods which can worsen it. Foods that are known to actively reduce inflammation include:
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Other healthy fats
Minimizing stress is another suggestion to help reduce inflammation in individuals with diabetes. Simple meditation techniques such as deep breathing can have calming effects and help to regulate emotions that ultimately reduce stress. Mitigating any factors that cause stress or frustration can help individuals reduce their inflammation and discomfort.
Treat Chronic Inflammation at NJ Spine & Orthopedic
Are you ready to treat your inflammation and get back to living your life? Look no further than the skilled professionals at New Jersey Spine & Orthopedic. Our team of board-certified spine surgeons has treated many individuals who suffer from chronic pain and inflammation, and we can help you too. Use our condition checker to better understand your symptoms, or check out our Treatment Finder to learn how NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you get on the road to recovery.
It is our mission to provide the best possible care for your condition. We want our patients to experience an individualized treatment that works for them, based on what they need rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. When you’re ready to take control of your diabetic inflammation and improve your quality of life, call us at (866) 272-9271 or contact us online to get started. We look forward to working with you and restoring a sense of balance to your life.