Unfortunately not, it can’t be reversed, but there are ways of managing though. The key is monitoring your blood glucose levels, which is multi-factorial. It has to do with monitoring your diet, along with your stress levels, and incorporating exercise.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to any condition that damages nerve cells. These cells play a critical role in touch, sensation, and movement. Diabetic neuropathy however, refers to nerve damage through diabetes. Scientists believe that the high content of blood sugar, in the blood of a person with diabetes, damages nerves over time.

There are several different types of neuropathies. They include:

• Peripheral – Pain and numbness in the extremities including arms, feet, legs, hands, and toes.
• Proximal – Pain and numbness in the upper legs, specifically the buttocks, thighs, and hips.
• Autonomic – Damage to nerves of the autonomic nervous system which control sexual response, sweating, urinary and digestive function.
• Focal – Sudden loss of function in nerves causing pain and weakness of the muscles.

Neuropathy is one of the common effects of diabetes. It’s estimated that 60-70 percent of people with diabetes, will develop some sort of neuropathy during their lives.

Managing the condition

Nerve damage from diabetes cannot be reversed. This is because the body can’t naturally repair nerve tissues that have been damaged. While you cannot reverse the damage, there are ways to help manage the condition, including:

• lowering your blood sugar
• treating nerve pain
• regularly checking your feet to ensure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection.

Blood glucose control is important, since it can minimise additional damage to your nerves. You can exercise better control through the following methods:

• Avoid foods high in excess sugars, including sodas, sweetened drinks and coffees, fruit juices, and processed snacks and candy bars.
• Eat foods high in fiber to help maintain blood sugars levels.
• Eat foods with healthy fats, such as from olive oil and nuts, and choose lean proteins like chicken and turkey.
• Eat vegetables and plant based proteins regularly.
• Do thirty minutes of exercise at least three to four times a week.
• Monitor your blood sugar according to your doctor’s recommendation, and record your levels, to help you identify patterns and unusual changes.
• Take insulin or oral medications, as instructed by your endocrinologist or general practitioner.

Treatment options

• Opioids, also known as narcotics
• Topical medications
• Electrical nerve stimulation

Natural remedies

More and more people are seeking out natural treatments or services to help with diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Some things you can try include:

• Essential Oils – When applied to your skin, some essential oils can relieve stress, pain or sleep issues. They can also be used as aromatherapy by being added to in-home diffusers.
• Massage – Healing touch has been found to provide many benefits, including easing pain, stress, and mobility.
• Acupuncture – May help manage your pain.

Foot care

If you have diabetes, you are at risk for foot problems.  That’s why it’s important to give your feet extra love if you have diabetic neuropathy. Nerves in the legs and feet can be damaged, which can lead to reduced feeling. This means that you may not notice if you cut or injure your foot or leg. To prevent damage, here are a few things you can do:

• Check your feet daily for cuts, bruises, open wounds, or sores.
• Cut and file toenails in a straight line.
• Wash with warm water regularly, and dry properly, particularly between the toes.
• Make a foot health journal.
• Wear clean socks to protect your feet, while giving you an added layer of support. (If they also proactively track for foot ulcers, that’s even better.)
• Avoid walking barefooted.
• Visit your podiatrist regularly.

Most importantly, though living with diabetic neuropathy may mean making some changes in your life, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing the things you love, with the people you care for. By taking the steps listed above, you’ll be on your way to practising self-care, and continuing to lead the life you desire.

What else can cause neuropathy?

While neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes, it may be caused by other conditions, including:

• alcoholism
• tumours
• trauma that causes pressure to nerves
• autoimmune conditions.

As can be seen, there are options for assisting you; don’t let procrastination affect your quality of life!

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!