7 effective natural remedies for diabetic neuropathy

Veröffentlicht am: October 15, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang  Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

Diabetes itself is a very common disease, affecting around 425 million people worldwide. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common secondary diseases, as high blood sugar levels damage nerve fibers throughout the body. Neuropathy is a clinical picture that encompasses more than 100 different forms and manifestations of nerve damage in people with and without diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy (sometimes called peripheral neuropathy) is the term for nerve damage caused by diabetes, a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly utilize the hormone insulin. Neuropathy can occur anywhere, but most commonly affects the nerves that run in the limbs, hands and feet.

Not all, but many people with diabetes develop secondary diseases such as neuropathy. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of all diabetics suffer from some form of neuropathy. Some people only experience mild symptoms of nerve damage, such as tingling or numbness in the limbs. For others, however, neuropathy leads to severe pain, digestive problems, cardiovascular problems, the inability to lead a normal life and even death if vital organs are affected severely enough.

Diabetic neuropathy can trigger a series of events that lead to even more severe complications. As with diabetes, there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, only ways to keep it in check and halt its progression, similar to the natural treatment of diabetes. However, by controlling blood sugar levels, making dietary changes and adopting an overall healthier lifestyle, most people can get this dangerous problem under control.

 


➤ The longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk of developing neuropathy. The risk is highest in people who have had diabetes for 20 to 25 years or longer.


Contents

What are the 7 natural remedies for diabetic neuropathy?

1. control of the blood sugar level

The most effective way to prevent or control neuropathy is to control blood sugar levels. It is crucial to keep blood glucose levels within an acceptable range to prevent permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, eyes, skin and other parts of the body before complications arise.

Studies have shown that poor glycemic control greatly increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy, which leads to hospitalization more often than other diabetes complications and is also the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations. A combination of regular blood glucose testing, healthy eating, physical activity and working with your doctor to determine if you need diabetes medication and/or insulin therapy is the best way to control elevated blood glucose levels.

2. eat healthily

Diet has a direct influence on your blood sugar levels and is therefore the first starting point for managing the symptoms and complications of diabetes. To stabilize blood sugar levels, unprocessed, wholesome foods should be preferred and the consumption of refined carbohydrates, added sugar and sugary drinks should be reduced or avoided altogether.

Simple measures for this are: Drink water/herbal tea instead of soda, juice and other sweetened beverages; eat plenty of healthy fat and lean protein instead of refined carbohydrates; consume fewer convenience foods and when you do, pay attention to the ingredients and added sugars on the label; control weight more easily by cooking at home using methods such as roasting, baking, steaming or baking instead of frying.

Diabetes patients should include plenty of fiber-rich foods in their diet that are rich in nutrients but low in sugar or artificial additives.

The following foods are particularly recommended:

  • Fruit and vegetables: all types of fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and important electrolytes such as minerals and potassium
  • Wild-caught fish: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils benefit diabetics by lowering triglyceride and apoprotein levels, which increase the risk of diabetic complications.
  • Healthy fats: coconut oil/coconut milk, olive oil, nuts and avocado
  • Lean protein: pasture-raised beef and poultry, eggs and pulses, which are also rich in fiber.
  • Stevia, a natural sweetener without calories, can also be used instead of household sugar.

Other helpful tips for controlling blood sugar levels through diet are:

  • As far as possible, avoid most cereal products, especially those made from wheat flour.
  • Reduce foods with a high sodium content. To control your blood pressure, you should not consume more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
  • To stay hydrated, drink six to eight glasses of water a day and eat more fiber-rich and water-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruit.
    Pay attention to portion sizes.
  • It can be helpful to record your daily food intake in a food diary for a few weeks so that you can track your progress.
  • Keep blood sugar levels in balance by eating regularly and having snacks and balanced portions every few hours.
  • At work and school, it is advisable to take your own lunch and pack healthy snacks.

 

3. sports and physiotherapy

Regular physical activity is one of the easiest ways to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and high blood pressure symptoms, increase strength and improve mobility - among all the other benefits that exercise brings. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Diabetes Complications showed that regular exercise in diabetics leads to a significant reduction in pain and neuropathic symptoms and increases the density of nerve fibers in the skin.

Just 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day - with light exercise such as cycling, swimming or walking - increases performance and helps the body to respond better to insulin and lower blood sugar levels. Less medication may then be needed because the body responds better to insulin and naturally lowers blood sugar levels. Exercise also helps to protect the nerves by improving blood circulation, lowering cholesterol and reducing stress, which can raise blood sugar levels and promote inflammation.

Physiotherapy can also be helpful as it improves muscle strength, mobility and everyday functions. Talk to your physiotherapist about your pain and try special orthopaedic insoles or shoes to relieve the symptoms and improve your mobility.

 

4. reduce toxins and give up smoking

People with neuropathy are more susceptible to kidney stones and other kidney problems. It is therefore important to relieve the kidneys to prevent toxins from building up in the blood and exacerbating the problem. Exposure to pesticides, chemical household cleaners and beauty products, unnecessary medications and antibiotics, as well as excessive alcohol, cigarette and drug consumption should be reduced.

Smoking should be stopped early, as diabetics who use tobacco in any form have a higher risk of developing nerve damage and even suffering a heart attack or stroke than non-smokers with diabetes.

 

5. stress management

Stress promotes inflammation and increases the risk of all kinds of complications in diabetics. Exercise, meditation and more time for hobbies, time in nature time for family and friends are natural ways to reduce stress. Acupuncture is another beneficial treatment that not only relieves stress and pain, but has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of neuropathy safely and with little or no side effects.

 

6. natural pain relief

If you already suffer from neuropathy and are looking for ways to relieve diabetic nerve pain and manage your daily tasks, you'll be pleased to hear that a combination of natural remedies can help. Studies have shown that various natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants can halt the progression of nerve damage and relieve pain. 

These include:

  • Alpha-lipoic acid: an anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and protect against neuropathy; 300-1,200 milligrams daily
  • Evening primrose oil: an anti-inflammatory active ingredient that relieves numbness, tingling and burning in neuropathy and has other positive effects; 360 milligrams daily
  • Chromium picolinate: improves insulin sensitivity, 600 micrograms daily
  • Cinnamon: helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, one to two teaspoons daily with meals, cinnamon oil is also recommended.
  • Omega-3 fish oil: 1,000 milligrams a day can reduce inflammation.
  • Vitamin B12: Many diabetics apparently have a deficiency of this nutrient, which can increase nerve damage
  • Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender and frankincense to relieve pain and reduce inflammation

It may take some time before there is any improvement. It is therefore important to be patient and try different combinations until you feel relief. If diabetic nerve pain is particularly severe, you can also take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen if necessary.

7. protect skin and feet

Keep an eye on your symptoms and look out for signs of new nerve damage to your skin, feet, legs or hands. Watch for new injuries such as blisters, sores and ulcers. Foot and skin care are important parts of the treatment and prevention of diabetic neuropathy. Wash your skin and feet thoroughly every day, especially in the skin folds where bacteria and moisture can accumulate and cause infections.

Always wear clean socks and fresh clothes and protect your sensitive skin from very high temperatures (e.g. hot showers) and sunlight. Cut your toenails, file off corns and see a doctor if you notice any redness, swelling or infection. Some studies have also shown that skin creams containing capsaicin from cayenne pepper can relieve the sensation of pain in some people, although they should be used with caution as they can also cause burning and skin irritation in some people.

 

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?


Diabetes affects the sensory, motor and autonomic nervous systems. One of the systems most affected is the peripheral nervous system, a complex network of nerves that connects the central nervous system (including the brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. For this reason, diabetic neuropathy can cause symptoms and complications anywhere in the body - from the fingers and toes to the genitals and eyes.

 


Studies have shown that diabetics with neuropathy generally have a significantly poorer quality of life than diabetics without neuropathy, especially if the nerve damage causes pain.


 

Elevated blood sugar levels over a long period of time affect blood pressure and arteries, which in turn affects the way nerves communicate with each other and send signals through the body. Sometimes nerve damage can progress to the point where it leads to permanent loss of sensation, heart damage, skin sores, vision problems and even lower limb amputation.

Although peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, other forms can also occur:

  • Autonomic neuropathy: This affects the nerves of the digestive system, sexual organs and sweating. Autonomic neuropathy can be very serious and dangerous as it can mask the signs of hypoglycemia so that people do not realize when their blood sugar levels are very low.
  • Nerve damage to the heart and blood vessels
  • Proximal neuropathy: causes pain in the thighs, hips or buttocks
  • Focal neuropathy: causes muscle weakness or pain throughout the body.

Common signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are

  • Cramps, pain, tingling and numbness in toes, hands, feet, legs or other areas
  • Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as trembling, sweating and rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensitivity of the skin to touch
  • Digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and loss of appetite
  • Low blood pressure, especially after getting up
  • Imbalance, dizziness, fainting
  • Sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal lubrication and arousal disorders in women
  • Changes in sweat secretion, heavy night sweats, inability to regulate body temperature or complete absence of sweat secretion (anhidrosis)
  • Damage to the kidneys
  • Damage to the nerves of the bladder and urinary tract, leading to frequent urination.

 

Complication of diabetic neuropathy

Nerve damage is stressful and sometimes debilitating in itself. However, what is even more problematic about diabetic neuropathy is that it can lead to other serious complications that can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. These include

  • Damage to blood vessels and the heart, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and lead to death
  • Limb amputations necessitated by the death of severely infected or ulcerated skin and soft tissue - the parts of the body most affected by diabetes-related nerve damage are the legs and feet, which is why most diabetes-related amputations are performed on these parts of the body each year
  • Joint pain or deterioration and loss of sensation, swelling, instability and sometimes deformities
  • Frequent serious infections, as nerve damage and inflammation can lead to reduced immunity and the proliferation of bacteria
  • Inability to recognize signs of hypoglycemia, which can lead to prolongation and worsening of symptoms
  • Cataracts, glaucoma, blurred vision and vision loss/blindness

 

What are the causes of diabetes and neuropathy?

People with diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood glucose levels because they do not respond normally to the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to introduce glucose into the cells for energy production and thus control the amount of glucose remaining in the blood.

Diabetes affects people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds, but is more common in overweight and older people who lead a lifestyle that throws their hormones out of balance.

Risk factors that make people more susceptible to diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, include:

  • Uncontrolled blood sugar - this is the biggest risk factor for all diabetes-related complications
  • Long-standing diabetes - the longer the diabetes exists, the greater the likelihood of nerve damage developingOverweight or obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Smoking
  • High blood lipid levels, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • Autoimmune diseases that inflame nerves
  • Mechanical injuries to the nerves (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome or accident injuries)
  • Certain regional factors or genetic characteristics that make nerve damage more likely