Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage, a serious complication that may affect up to 50% of people with diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels and high levels of fats such as triglycerides in the blood can damage your nerves. Symptoms depend on which type of diabetic neuropathy you have.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of nerve damage that typically affects the feet and legs and sometimes affects the hands and arms.
Autonomic neuropathy is damage to nerves that control internal organs, leading to problems with heart rate and blood pressure, digestive system, bladder, sex organs, sweat glands, and eyes. The damage can cause people to be unaware of their low blood sugar.
Focal neuropathies are conditions which typically are caused by damage to single nerves, most often in the hand, head, torso, or leg. The most common types of focal neuropathy are entrapment syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Proximal neuropathy is a rare and disabling type of nerve damage in the hip, buttock, or thigh. The damage typically affects only one side of the body and symptoms gradually improve over a period of months or years.
You may be able to prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with consistent blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle. Supplements such as Vitamin B6 are known to help diabetic neuropathy, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) seems to reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Ask our professional staff for recommendations.
While symptoms may be mild for some people, diabetic neuropathy can be debilitating to others. If you experience pain, talk to our compounding pharmacist about the benefits of topical compounded medications, and use of other medications if your pain is refractory to conventional therapy.
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