Diabetic neuropathy treatment is used to combat diabetic complications that cause nerve pain and nerve degeneration. There are several ways to treat diabetic neuropathy. These methods include medications, natural treatments and herbal treatments.
According to WebMD, there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy at this time. However, controlling diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels within normal range can have wonderfully positive affects on reducing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
In order to have a true understanding of diabetic neuropathy treatment, we must fully grasp what diabetic neuropathy is. Diabetic neuropathies are nerve disorders that affect different areas of the body, causing nerve pain and decreased function. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), treatment for diabetic neuropathy includes keeping your blood sugar well controlled, following a specific diet and maintaining an exercise program can help keep neuropathy symptoms at bay.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Nerve damage to the arms and legs is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (also called distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy).
Symptoms of this type of neuropathy include numbness, tingling, pain and cramping, insensitivity to pain or temperature, increased sensitivity to touch, and decreased balance and coordination.
Treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy includes a healthy diet and exercise program, along with medications to treat the symptoms and medications to help control blood sugar well.
There are several supplements and herbs that help lower blood sugar naturally. These products can have great success in helping decrease neuropathy symptoms. Patients who control their blood sugar well have fewer incidences of severe neuropathy symptoms. The natural foods and herbs that have been shown to naturally decrease blood sugar include Magnesium (mineral), Chromium (mineral), Onion (vegetable), Garlic (vegetable), Gymnema Sylvestre (herb), Bitter Melon (herb), Prickly Pear Cactus (herb), and Fenugreek (herb).
Diabetic Neuropathy Pain Treatment
There are a few natural substances that can help decrease pain and discomfort due to diabetic neuropathy. These natural substances include Ginko Biloba, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA is found in evening primrose oil), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).
There are also several traditional medications that help treat the symptoms of neuropathy pain. Consult your physician to find a medication that will be effective for you and not interact with your other medications.
Regular activity to increase blood flow and help circulation, such as a regular exercise program, has been shown to help keep nerve pain and sensitivity at bay.
Diabetic Foot Neuropathy Treatment
As with all types of diabetic neuropathy, foot neuropathy can be treated with diet, exercise, keeping blood sugars within normal limits, herbs, supplements and medications.
If you suffer from foot neuropathy you may want to speak with your physician about a referral to a podiatrist who works with this condition.
It is possible to live a normal and healthy life, without pain and discomfort, even though you have diabetes. Work with your medical team to develop a care and treatment program that will allow you to maintain good control of your blood sugar levels. This will go far in allowing you to live a normal and healthy life.