Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Neuropathy is a medical term that refers to the malfunctioning of the nerves. People suffering from diabetes are likely to suffer from this nerve disorder if their blood sugar is not within the specified range. Diabetes neuropathy that involves nerve damage is a long term effect of high blood glucose levels. This is a progressive disorder that can worsen in case the treatment is delayed.

Peripheral Neuropathy
In this type of diabetic neuropathy, the person experiences pain or numbness (loss of feeling) in the hands, feet and arms. This condition often causes sharp pain and cramps which may lead to muscle weakness. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatment uses medicines to get rid of the pain.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
Though diabetic neuropathy cannot be completely ignored, with proper treatment the patient can lead a normal life. This condition can cause further complications if the blood glucose levels are not within the normal range. Therefore, it is essential to continue taking the prescribed diabetes medicines to keep the blood sugar levels under control. For strict sugar control, the patient may be advised to take insulin injections. One can use a glucose meter to check the blood sugar levels.

Medicines
Medications are commonly prescribed to relieve pain, and in order to control the pain the patient may have to take different medications. Studies have shown that the following medicines are helpful for relieving pain:

• Tricyclic anti-depressants
• Lidocaine patches
• Topical capsaicin creams
• Painkillers like oxycodone and codeine
• Anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin

Exercise Regularly
Daily exercise, an integral part of diabetic neuropathy treatment, is one of the best ways to manage blood sugar levels. It is essential to remain active to avert any complications. Exercising for 30 minutes is sufficient to keep the condition under control. Before starting any exercise regime, consult your health care provider to know what exercises will be suitable to perform during this condition. Along with exercise, strictly following the diabetic diet is also very important.

Feet Care
In this condition, the nerves located in the feet are susceptible to damage. People with diabetic neuropathy are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. Many patients experience loss of sensation in their feet. Even small injuries on the feet many worsen if treatment is not done on time. Therefore it is extremely important that the patient takes proper care of his feet by applying moisturizing lotions (capsaicin cream) on a regular basis.

How to Manage Complications in Diabetic Neuropathy?
In some patients who are suffering from diabetic neuropathy, health complications that may develop are urinary tract problems and digestive disorders (diarrhea or constipation). A change in diet that involves reduction in fiber and fats is beneficial to reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to get rid of urinary tract infections, the patient is asked to drink plenty of water. Sometimes, antispasmodic medications are prescribed to treat loss of bladder control (involuntary urination). In some cases, patients suffer from sexual dysfunction which can be treated by oral medications such as vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra). For women, estrogen creams and vaginal lubricants are helpful. Another health problem that may occur is orthostatic hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure suddenly decreases upon standing. This condition is treated with medications like fludrocortisone.

Diabetic Neuropathy Natural Treatment
One does not have to depend entirely on drugs or medications for diabetic neuropathy treatment. New studies have discovered some effective drug free therapies that are found to be safe to treat this condition. A recent study found out that alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful anti-oxidant present in many foodstuffs has been an effective remedy for relieving pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. Some patients have shown considerable improvement in their health by following relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep-breathing.

Other methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation that does not allow pain signals to reach the brain can also be used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Benfotiamine and vitamin B12 supplements (capsules) have several health benefits and are also prescribed for diabetic neuropathy treatment.