By Dr. Devan Patel, PharmD
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard the term “diabetic neuropathy” thrown around by your doctor. Simply put, it’s nerve damage that happens when your blood sugar stays too high for too long. The excess glucose in your blood can actually damage the nerves in your feet and legs, and unfortunately, about half of all people with diabetes will deal with this at some point.
Here’s the thing that makes this condition particularly concerning: when your feet and legs start losing feeling, you’re setting yourself up for bigger problems. You might not notice cuts, blisters, or sores on your feet, which can lead to serious infections or even amputation in severe cases. That’s why doctors always tell diabetics to check their feet daily, wear proper shoes, keep their toenails trimmed, and see a foot doctor regularly.
How Do You Know If You Have It?
Nerve pain feels different from regular pain. Instead of the typical aches you might be used to, diabetic neuropathy creates some pretty unique sensations. You might feel like your feet are burning, even when they’re not hot. Or you could experience sharp, shooting pains that come out of nowhere. Some people describe it as a tingling feeling, like pins and needles, while others lose feeling completely.
The symptoms usually start in your feet and legs, but they can eventually spread to your hands and arms. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Your feet or legs feel numb or like they’re “asleep”
- Sharp, shooting pains that come and go
- A constant burning feeling
- Tingling sensations
- Being extra sensitive to touch (even light touches hurt)
- Trouble with balance when walking
How Can You Prevent It?
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow it down if you already have it.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control This is the big one. The longer you have diabetes and the worse your blood sugar control is, the higher your risk becomes. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar in the target range they recommend. Take your medications as prescribed, eat regularly, and monitor your levels like your doctor suggests.
Watch Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure can damage both your nerves and blood vessels, making neuropathy more likely. Take your blood pressure meds, eat less salt, and check your blood pressure at home if your doctor recommends it.
Keep Your Cholesterol in Check Just like high blood sugar can damage nerves, too much fat in your blood can cause problems too. Eat a heart-healthy diet, take your cholesterol medication if prescribed, and stay active.
Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight can increase your risk of developing neuropathy. You don’t need to be perfect, but eating well and staying active can make a real difference.
Go Easy on Alcohol Drinking too much alcohol can make nerve damage worse. If you drink, keep it moderate, or consider cutting it out completely.
Quit Smoking Smoking doesn’t just hurt your lungs – it damages your blood vessels and nerves too. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
Better Diabetes Control Getting your blood sugar under better control can actually help reduce the pain you’re already experiencing and prevent things from getting worse. Work with your healthcare team to fine-tune your diabetes management.
Pain Relief Options For mild to moderate pain, you might find relief with pain creams that you apply directly to the affected areas. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help, but make sure your doctor says they’re safe for you to use.
Prescription Medications for Nerve Pain Regular pain pills often don’t work well for nerve pain, so your doctor might prescribe medications specifically designed for this type of discomfort. Common options include Gabapentin and Pregabalin, which are made specifically for nerve pain. There are also other medications like Amitriptyline, Duloxetine, and others that can help.
The Bottom Line
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, but it’s not something you just have to accept. While it’s usually a long-term condition, there are plenty of things you can do to slow it down and manage your symptoms.
The most important thing is to stay on top of your diabetes management. Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in good ranges. Make healthy lifestyle choices, and don’t hesitate to work closely with your healthcare team to find the right treatment plan for you. Some people may find benefits from including nerve-support supplements into an overall nerve health routine. Zen Nutrients has developed a comprehensive nerve health formula called Neurazenx, which may offer nerve support to those dealing with diabetic neuropathy. Learn more about Neurazenx at the Zen Nutrients website today.
Remember, catching neuropathy early and treating it properly can make a huge difference in your quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait – talk to your doctor about it. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of keeping it under control.
*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.