Studies have found that people who develop carpel tunnel syndrome are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Carpel tunnel syndrome is quite common, there are mild cases and more severe cases. A study has found that people who undergo surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within a year.

This finding was published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Patients who had surgery to both wrists had the highest risk of type 2 diabetes.

Carpel tunnel syndrome

This is a painful condition of the hand caused by pressure on nerves that run through the wrist. Anything that inflames or irritates the tendons can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This can include repetitive hand movements, pregnancy and arthritis. Deficiency of vitamin B1, B6 or B12 can increase the risk of carpel tunnel syndrome, and so can having elevated blood sugar. The blood sugar can be higher than ideal but not high enough for an official diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

High blood sugar can harm your tendons

Many people think that carpel tunnel syndrome is purely caused by repetitive strain injuries. This is not the case. Underlying metabolic problems and nutrient deficiencies are almost always present.

People with elevated blood sugar are more likely to suffer with tendon, ligament and cartilage problems. This is because they have high levels of advanced glycation end-products in their body. Sugar binds with proteins in the body, such as collagen in the tendons, damaging them and impairing proper function. Sugar also binds to collagen and elastin in our skin, speeding up the rate of sagging.

You can find out how much glycation is happening in your body by having a blood test called HbA1c. This measures how much glucose has stuck to the proteins in your red blood cells. Your red blood cells live for approximately 120 days, so the test gives us a good average. Advanced glycation end-products stiffen the collagen in your body. That means your body can feel stiff and achy.

Fatty liver also harms your tendons

Most prediabetics also have a fatty liver. This causes inflammation in the liver. An inflamed liver produces excess levels of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).  These enzymes are normally responsible for regenerating and repairing liver cells that may have become injured while detoxing your body and carrying out their regular functions. A fatty or inflamed liver attempts to regenerate itself more rapidly, thus production of MMPs increases.

Your liver is trying to help you out, but having too many MMPs in your body isn’t good. MMPs don’t just stay in your liver. They enter systemic circulation and every part of your body they reach can suffer with consequences. When produced in excess, MMPs lead to tissue breakdown and degeneration. MMPs are responsible for the turnover and breakdown of matrix proteins, including collagen, gelatin, elastin and fibronectin. If your connective tissue breaks down too quickly, you can suffer with pain and stiffness.

If you are suffering with carpel tunnel syndrome, ask your doctor for a fasting blood test checking glucose, as well as average blood glucose for the past 120 days (HbA1c). Most cases of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can be reversed. See our book Diabetes Type 2: You Can Reverse It.

Strategies for achieving healthy blood sugar

Check your blood sugar

A large number of people have diabetes type 2, but are undiagnosed. If you haven’t had your blood sugar checked within the last 2 years, go to your doctor for a test. You should get a fasting blood sugar test as well as an HbA1c test. It is necessary to get both as a one off fasting blood sugar test can be a poor indicator of your glucose tolerance, as this type of test does not indicate how high your blood sugar gets after a meal. If you consume a lot of sugar and grains you may have elevated blood sugar levels for a large portion of the day, that a fasting blood test may not pick up on. A glycated haemoglobin test (HbA1c) is much more reliable as it better indicates your blood sugar for the past three months during the day and night. Your HbA1c should be below 5.5%. Berberine is a plant extract that outperforms some medication for type 2 diabetes. It is excellent for helping to normalize elevated blood sugar.

    Follow a low-carb diet

People with insulin resistance cannot handle ordinary amounts of carbohydrate in their diet; as they oversecrete insulin in response to eating carbs. Sugar, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals, sugary drinks and anything made of flour will all cause a dramatic rise in blood sugar, therefore these foods should be avoided. If you are insulin resistant you are less likely to feel satisfied after eating these foods, as a result you tend to overeat. There is an excellent low-carb eating plan in our book ‘Diabetes Type 2: You Can Reverse It Naturally’.

    Eat more protein

It is essential to consume some form of protein with every meal to help stabilize blood sugar levels, promote fullness and aid weight loss. Sources of protein include eggs, seafood, red meat, poultry, whey protein, nuts, seeds and legumes. Synd-X is a low-carb high protein powder that is not only delicious, but excellent for lowering blood sugar levels and promoting satiety. Glicemic Balance capsules contain the herbs and nutrients to improve insulin sensitivity, keep blood sugar balanced, as well as reducing hunger and cravings. Take 1 capsule with each meal to reap the benefits.

    Exercise regularly

Exercise has significant health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, promoting a healthy mood and aiding weight loss. However, were you aware that physical activity naturally lowers blood sugar and insulin levels? That’s right, exercise is critical for preventing weight gain and for preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in the first place. Ideally, you should exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes, and if this is not feasible then at least 5 days a week. It is essential to get some cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Good cardiovascular exercises include walking, cycling or swimming, and weight training can involve weights or exercises using your own body weight.

   Make sure you get sufficient sleep

People often underestimate the importance of good quality sleep. It is recommended to get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Falling short of this can make you more prone to weight gain and high blood sugar. Lack of sleep causes resistance to the hormone leptin in the body, the satiety hormone, and increases levels of the hormone ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Sleep deprivation also causes fatigue and lack of motivation which means you are less likely to exercise and make healthy food choices. If you have trouble getting to sleep, magnesium is an excellent mineral for promoting relaxation and for maintaining good quality sleep.

    Look after your liver

Maintaining a healthy liver is essential for balancing blood sugar levels, as if your liver is not functioning optimally you will be susceptible to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and sugar cravings. Fatty liver is when your liver becomes clogged with fat and this impairs your liver’s ability to act as the primary fat-burning organ and master detoxifier. Fatty liver diagnosis often occurs years before a diabetes diagnosis. Taking a quality liver tonic like Livatone Plus provides the nutrients needed to improve the health and efficiency of your liver.

Reference

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.