Is Diabetic Neuropathy Reversible?

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic Neuropathy can be an annoying consequence of dealing with Diabetes. Diabetic Neuropathy occurs due to damage to the nerves in the body. 

It is thought that the nerve damage with Diabetic Neuropathy develops due to high levels of glucose damaging the nerves. The most common type of neuropathy that can develop due to Diabetes is Peripheral Neuropathy, so we will focus on this subset of Neuropathy in this article.

According to a study from 2018, about 50.70% of people with type 2 Diabetes end up dealing with Diabetic Neuropathy, and about 28.70% of type 1 Diabetics develop Diabetic Neuropathy. 

Factors that can increase the risk of developing Diabetic Neuropathy when you have diabetes includes: Older age, how long you have had Diabetes, a higher HbA1C value (your blood glucose average over 3 months), having high blood pressure, and having high cholesterol.

Peripheral Neuropathy tends to affect nerves that are on the periphery of the body, so the legs, feet, arms, and hands.

Ultimately, the nerve damage from Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy can lead to symptoms including:

• Numbness

• Reduced ability to feel or detect pain or temperature changes

• Burning or tingling sensations

• Cramps or sharp pains

• Muscle weakness

• Being very sensitive to touch

• Foot complications including infections, ulcers, and joint and bone damage

Why is Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy dangerous?

This type of neuropathy can ultimately become dangerous since walking and moving around may be compromised due to an unsteady gait from the numbness. This may lead to more falls and accidents.

Also, wounds and injuries to the feet and legs may go unnoticed and lead to increased risks of infections. Diabetes can also make wounds slower to heal and more prone to infection, making wounds on the feet and legs even more dangerous.

Is Diabetic Neuropathy reversible?

It is generally agreed upon that there is not currently a way to completely reverse or cure Diabetic Neuropathy. 

However, there are ways to help prevent the progression of Diabetic Neuropathy, reduce your symptoms, or even try and avoid the development of the condition in the first place.

How to help control your Diabetic Neuropathy symptoms

Diet and exercise: 

Following a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can be a great way to help keep your glucose levels under control on a day-to-day basis. Studies have shown that clinical features of nerve fibers can improve with long-term intensive glucose control. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan that might work best for you.

Medications:

Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve the pain from Neuropathy in some users. Sometimes a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications may be used.

Some prescription medications have been found to deliver some level of symptomatic relief of Peripheral Neuropathy. FDA-approved and off-label medications are commonly used to help treat Diabetic Neuropathy. Your doctor may prescribe Neuropathy medications including: Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Amitriptyline, Duloxetine, and Venlafaxine, just to name a few options. 

Talk to your doctor about what Diabetic Neuropathy medications might be a good fit for you.

Supplements:

Some dietary supplement ingredients like Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine may help with symptom relief in some people with Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy.*

NeuraZenx from ZenNutrients contains both Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, along with other ingredients that may help support nerve health.* If you want to give this supplement a try or learn more, you can order NeuraZenx from our website: Here.

Is Diabetic Neuropathy reversible?: Bottom Line

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is considered to not be reversible.

However, with improved and sustained control of your Diabetes, you may be able to stop or slow the progression of Diabetic Neuropathy, improve your symptoms, or help prevent its development in the first place.

Paying close attention to your diet, exercise, medications, and supplements may be a great way to help keep Diabetic Neuropathy under control.*

Talk to your doctor about what diet and exercise regimens may be the best for you, and listen to their instructions on recommended prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, or supplements that might help you.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.