There are some helpful supplements for Diabetic Neuropathy
A frequent and known side effect of Type 2 Diabetes 1https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hyperglycemia is neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition whereby the nerves get damaged. This leads to a loss of feeling, usually starting in the feet. It causes problems with digestion, urination, and blood pressure.
My father’s side of the family had terrible complications with Type 2 Diabetes. My grandfather, uncles and cousins all had diabetic neuropathy. The effects of this were terrible. I will never forget the horror of visiting my grandfather in the hospital after he had his left eg amputated. Then my uncles also got this side effect. At the time, there were not a lot of helpful medications or dietary recommendations. So, they only got worse over time. Then my cousin, who is 2 years younger than me, was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. He was a truck driver. He also had diabetic neuropathy. Then he had his leg amputated at the knee, and lost his ability to drive for a living.
I have seen nightmares with uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes, which is one reason I am so passionate about educating on this.
The complications of diabetic neuropathy can include:
- Muscular weakness
- Loss of feeling or sensation
- Increased sensitivity to vibration and temperature changes
People with Diabetic Neuropathy usually describe the pain and sensations as throbbing or burning. Sometimes they describe these feelings as pins and needles.
It is dangerous, because with the loss of feeling comes the increased potential of wounds not healing. When you cannot feel the wound, then how can you start repairing it?
Managing neuropathic pain can include the use of some supplements for diabetic neuropathy.
These include, but are not limited to: pharmaceutical interventions, physical therapies, and psychological support. Multidisciplinary approaches are most successful when treating neuropathic pain in the long term.
Doctors use supplements when established treatment approaches don’t relieve the discomfort brought on by neuropathy.
Antioxidants may help to protect nerve cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
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Alpha-lipoic acid as a supplement for diabetic neuropathy
“Several studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid helps lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage.” H/T mountsinai.org
Alpha-lipoic acid is currently used to treat many diabetic problems. Also, there are minimal reported adverse effects. This natural remedy is helpful in reducing symptoms associated with diabetes. It is also considered safe for most people to take.
There are a few negatives associated with this supplement. Patients need to take it for two to three months before seeing an improvement in their symptoms.
Additionally, the extent of symptom improvement varies widely from person to person and some patients see more significant results than others.
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B Vitamins
“Vitamin B-12 is present in some foods and helps with proper nerve function and red blood cell production. People who don’t get enough vitamin B-12 may have a higher risk of neuropathy and other nervous system (neurological) problems.” H/T mayoclinic.org
Some doctors think that B Vitamins are helpful in reducing the effect of neuropathy. Vitamin B supplements help maintain normal nervous system function. So, these vitamins are useful for treating diabetic neuropathy.
The B vitamins are in many foods, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
Because of this, doctors often recommend Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 for neuropathy in supplement form.
Type 2 Diabetes patients can choose to take these each on their own, instead as part of a B complex. However, a combination is easier to take.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
“Acetyl-L-carnitine is a chemical compound naturally produced in the kidneys and liver. This important supplement helps to reduce oxidative stress. It is involved in nerve cell function and regeneration.” H/T mayoclinic.org
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an antioxidant. It is also an amino acid that may increase energy levels, produce healthy nerve cells, and lessen discomfort.
Fish Oil
“Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been found to be effective for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of health conditions including inflammatory joint pain, chronic spinal pain, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, depression and, potentially, fibromyalgia.1 A 2010 study suggests that it is also effective for pain reduction in patients with neuropathic pain.” H/T adlergiersch.com
Fish oil is an effective supplement in treating neuropathy. It has anti-inflammatory properties and the capacity to heal injured nerves. It reduces pain and soreness in the muscles and aids in the healing process.
Fish oil supplements thus are a natural way to reduce inflammation and pain caused by neuropathy.
Always speak with your doctor first, no matter which supplement you take for neuropathy. This is also important so they can ensure that the supplement won’t interfere with any other medications you’re taking.
Also, here’s an interesting article about Chinen salt which may help with this condition as well.
She helped start and managed a supplement company and has consulted on targeted supplement creation.
She has also served for over 7 years as an admin for very large Facebook groups about health and autoimmune issues.
Anna has years of unique experience seeing which protocols and treatments work for which people, having seen hundreds of thousands of patient experiences and testimonials.
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