The insufficient amount of insulin in the body because of diabetes leads to myriad complications. This may occur if the person diagnosed with diabetes isn’t able to manage blood glucose levels or doesn’t receive proper treatment.
Diabetic Neuropathy
When a diabetic’s blood glucose levels are not under control, that person will surely experience many complications. A common one is diabetic neuropathy. The arms and legs are the common targets of this problem. When the upper and lower limbs become affected by diabetic neuropathy, it is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
When the legs are affected, the nerves no longer function optimally. The person ends up having pain, tingling, or numbness. There is also a higher risk of developing severe complications in the legs or feet, which may lead to injuries or even below-the-knee-amputation.
One the patient suffers from diabetic neuropathy, the treatment focuses on decreasing cramping and pain symptoms. Proper treatments may also retard the condition’s progression.
Known Treatments
Prevention is the best treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetics could very well decrease their risk of developing this condition by managing their blood glucose levels.
If the patient already has diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the focus of the treatment is to manage pain. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief in mild cases. Moderate to severe cases call for a prescription of pain medications such as Lyrica (pregabalin) or Cymbalta (duloxetine). Some cases may require opioid medications like Tramadol or Tapentadol.
Natural Home Remedies
If you want to try home remedies to help alleviate your leg pain, here are some options you can try:
• Change your diet. A balanced diet can help manage nerve pain in general. Foods that help regulate blood sugar levels can reduce inflammation and can aid in preventing more damage. Include the following in your diet:
o Complex carbs (whole grain breads and pastas, oatmeal)
o Lean proteins
o Fruits (moderate intake)
o Healthy fats (fish, olive oil, nuts)
o Non-starchy vegies
• Take supplements. You don’t get all the nutrients you require from what you eat. Taking supplements can help replace nutritional gaps. Here are some of the supplements that may improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
o Alpha-lipoic acid
o Vitamin D
o Acetyl-L-carnatine
o Vitamin B-12
Always ask your doctor first before you start taking any supplementation. Some medications may interact with supplements. It is also possible that you are already getting sufficient nutrients from your diet.
• Exercise regularly. Benefits include improved blood circulation, which results in the delivery of more nutrients and oxygen to your legs. Just remember to speak to your doctor if you want to start a new exercise routine.
• Other remedies:
o Undergo physical therapy
o Quit smoking
o Try acupuncture
o Massage the legs
o Soak the legs in warm water (if you don’t have open wounds)
o Use a leg cradle during nighttime slumber
Make sure you discuss diabetic peripheral neuropathy with your doctor, so that you can be sure of the necessary steps to prevent or manage it.
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The insufficient amount of insulin in the body because of diabetes leads to myriad complications. This may occur if the person diagnosed with diabetes isn’t able to manage blood glucose levels or doesn’t receive proper treatment.
Diabetic Neuropathy
When a diabetic’s blood glucose levels are not under control, that person will surely experience many complications. A common one is diabetic neuropathy. The arms and legs are the common targets of this problem. When the upper and lower limbs become affected by diabetic neuropathy, it is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
When the legs are affected, the nerves no longer function optimally. The person ends up having pain, tingling, or numbness. There is also a higher risk of developing severe complications in the legs or feet, which may lead to injuries or even below-the-knee-amputation.
One the patient suffers from diabetic neuropathy, the treatment focuses on decreasing cramping and pain symptoms. Proper treatments may also retard the condition’s progression.
Known Treatments
Prevention is the best treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetics could very well decrease their risk of developing this condition by managing their blood glucose levels.
If the patient already has diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the focus of the treatment is to manage pain. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief in mild cases. Moderate to severe cases call for a prescription of pain medications such as Lyrica (pregabalin) or Cymbalta (duloxetine). Some cases may require opioid medications like Tramadol or Tapentadol.
Natural Home Remedies
If you want to try home remedies to help alleviate your leg pain, here are some options you can try:
• Change your diet. A balanced diet can help manage nerve pain in general. Foods that help regulate blood sugar levels can reduce inflammation and can aid in preventing more damage. Include the following in your diet:
o Complex carbs (whole grain breads and pastas, oatmeal)
o Lean proteins
o Fruits (moderate intake)
o Healthy fats (fish, olive oil, nuts)
o Non-starchy vegies
• Take supplements. You don’t get all the nutrients you require from what you eat. Taking supplements can help replace nutritional gaps. Here are some of the supplements that may improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
o Alpha-lipoic acid
o Vitamin D
o Acetyl-L-carnatine
o Vitamin B-12
Always ask your doctor first before you start taking any supplementation. Some medications may interact with supplements. It is also possible that you are already getting sufficient nutrients from your diet.
• Exercise regularly. Benefits include improved blood circulation, which results in the delivery of more nutrients and oxygen to your legs. Just remember to speak to your doctor if you want to start a new exercise routine.
• Other remedies:
o Undergo physical therapy
o Quit smoking
o Try acupuncture
o Massage the legs
o Soak the legs in warm water (if you don’t have open wounds)
o Use a leg cradle during nighttime slumber
Make sure you discuss diabetic peripheral neuropathy with your doctor, so that you can be sure of the necessary steps to prevent or manage it.