Before we begin discussing the treatment of this type of diabetes, it is important to understand what diabetic peripheral neuropathy means and how it can affect your life. Neuropathies in general are referring to the loss of nerve fibres. In regards to diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms depicting a loss of nerve function, nerve damage or peripheral nerve dysfunction are signs for testing and diagnosis. Years of prolonged hypoglycemia can create this condition. Type 1 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is where the symptoms begin. As you progress to type 2 diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy along with diabetic pain may present itself after just a few years of poor blood sugar control.
Creating a diagnosis for this peripheral diabetic neuropathy requires a great deal of attention as there are many factors that contribute to it and may be confused as another disease if not examined carefully. Peripheral neuropathy treatments are quite successful in patients suffering from diabetic nerve pain, foot neuropathy or any diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms. As we begin to get into more detail regarding the treatments, you will begin to see that by not controlling your blood sugar levels you are creating more diabetic neuropathic pain. It’s the volatility in your levels that can aggravate this painful neuropathy. Some of the treatments we’re going to talk about include transepidermal nerve stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation which have both proven to be successful over the years. Medical journals have been spending a lot more time covering diabetic foot and diabetic autonomic neuropathy because of the increase in this condition.
- tricyclic antidepressants
- gabapentin
- topical lidocaine
This is just a very small taste of the different medications used to treat this condition. Because each patient is different as are their health conditions, it is impossible to prescribe one medication for everyone with this disease. Some patients with require topical medications for the pain where others have more nerve pain than outer pain and this is where oral medications come into play. Besides medication the best way to control your diabetic peripheral neuropathy and prevent it from getting worse is by monitoring your blood sugar. For many people, their symptoms have become more frequent because of their lack of control over their glucose levels, this needs to change immediately.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy needs to be treated carefully. Even if right now you are in the early stages, it doesn’t take long to progress to something more serious. Diet and exercise are by far the easiest ways to control your blood sugar, if you are already beyond this make sure to be consistent with your insulin dosages as well as testing your blood sugar to stay on track. Supplements and vitamins are never a bad thing and therefore can easily be used in this situation as well. Speaking with your doctor regarding the types of vitamins and supplements you should be taking can help you reduce your own pain and utilize more natural resources for treatment before getting into the prescription medicines.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the best thing you can do for yourself is indulge in information. The web is full of medical journals and medical studies that can give you an idea of how diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatment works but also give you an idea of what can happen to you if you receive no treatment. This type of diabetes does not have to be life threatening but just like any other condition out there today, the longer it goes unnoticed or without treatment the more severe the symptoms become. There is no harm in looking into alternative treatments but it is important to always discuss your plans with your doctor before acting.
You can live a normal lifestyle with this condition when you take the time to take care of yourself. Life can become too busy and hectic at times but forgetting to look after yourself can cause you more harm than good. Watch for any signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy inflammation and read up on as much medical info you can.
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