Great Info Tips

Anne Rueter of the University of Michigan Health System wrote an interesting article about this subject recently. A common blood test for triglycerides may for the first time allow doctors to predict which patients with diabetes will be more likely to develop the serious, common complication of neuropathy. The study is now online in the journal DIABETES. The study is to appear in print in the journal’s July issue.

Kelli A. Sullivan, Ph.D., was quoted as saying, “In our study, elevated triglycerides were the most accurate at predicting nerve fiber loss, compared to all other measures.” She is co-first author of the study and an assistant research professor in neurology at the U-M Medical School.

Neuropathy is a condition in which nerves are damaged or lost with resulting numbness, tingling and pain, often it the hands, arms, legs and feet. Worsening neuropathy is more likely over a period of one year if the patient also has high triglycerides. Higher levels of other fats in the blood or of blood glucose did not turn out to be significant. Patients can reduce blood triglyceride levels using the same measures that reduce cholesterol levels. These are avoiding harmful fats in the diet and exercising regularly.

Neuropathy affects about 60% of the 23 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes. It’s a complication for both Type 1 and Type 2. The condition in the past has only come to light when patients complain of the tingling or pain in their extremities.

Url: http:/www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/1506601php