Can you reverse neuropathy diabetes

Nerves in the legs and feet are often most affected by neuropathy. This can cause you to lose sensation to your feet and legs. Sores and cuts can go unnoticed and lead to infections. In some extreme cases, infections can become severe and lead to ulcers.

Over time, this can cause irreparable damage to the soft tissue and lead to the loss of toes or even your foot. Damage to the nerves in your legs can lead to something called a Charcot joint. This results in swelling, numbness, and lack of joint stability. Nerves impact the function of sweat glands, so damage to nerves could affect the functioning of your sweat glands. This can lead to anhydrosis, also known as reduced sweating, or hyperhidrosis, also known as excess sweating.

As a result, this may affect body temperature regulation. Nerves play an important role in managing the bladder and urinary system.

If the nerves that affect these systems are damaged, this can lead to the inability to recognize when the bladder is full and poor control of urination. Neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes, but it may be caused by other conditions, including:. However, you can manage it through a variety of ways.

These include:. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition caused by nerve damage from diabetes. Scientists are also looking into spinal cord stimulation SCS therapies. A study in rats found that early, repetitive SCS could help reduce and reverse neuropathic pain by stimulating the endocannabinoid system and activating certain receptors.

Medications that target molecules called gangliosides, which are attached to the surface of nerve cells, might offer a cure for neurodegenerative disorders, some researchers suggest.

Authors of a study from found that depleting a specific ganglioside improved wound healing and fully reversed neuropathic pain in mice. There is currently no way to reverse diabetic neuropathy, although scientists are working on future treatments. For now, the best approach is to manage blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping glucose within target levels can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy and its complications.

Blood glucose monitor kits for home use are available for purchase online. A feeling of tingling in the feet or hands can have a variety of causes. Many are related to peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage, but others include…. Nociceptive pain results from physical trauma, such as a sports injury, arthritis, dental procedure, or stubbing a toe. It is different from…. Polyneuropathy is damage to multiple nerves outside of the brain and central nervous system.

This can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility…. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that affects a range of nerves in the bodies of some people with diabetes. It can lead to paralysis and might have…. Painful nerve damage is common in diabetes but poorly understood. Now, a new study shows that blocking the molecule HCN2 may provide effective pain….

Is it possible to reverse diabetic neuropathy? Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Managing glucose Reducing risk factors Getting early treatment Natural and lifestyle remedies Alternative and complementary therapies Medical options Avoiding complications Advances in treatment Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Managing glucose. Share on Pinterest Neuropathy can cause pain and numbness in the feet and legs. Reducing the risk factors. Getting early treatment. Natural and lifestyle remedies. Share on Pinterest The best way to manage the risk of neuropathy is to keep blood sugar levels within the target range. Alternative and complementary therapies. Medical options. Avoiding complications. For instance, in one study published in September in the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications , all it took was 10 weeks of exercise to significantly reduce pain and symptoms in men and women with diabetes-related neuropathy.

Physical activity is a great way to keep your blood sugar levels in check , improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, Machowsky says.

Plus, by undoing some of the blood vessel damage that can occur with diabetes, exercise can help increase the flow of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to nerve cells, further helping to improve neuropathic symptoms. To minimize the risks and amplify the possible rewards of exercising with neuropathy , prioritize these expert-approved workouts:.

Aerobic exercise can also help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels , according to the American Diabetes Association ADA , which helps to further improve blood flow to your hands and feet, and improve nerve health.

To boost your blood flow while preventing cuts, scrapes, and blisters, skip pounding the pavement in favor for gentler, low-impact activities, such as swimming and cycling, Machowsky recommends. Whatever workout you choose, try to perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times per week, the ADA recommends.

Meanwhile, you can perform a vast array of upper-body exercises, from bicep curls to shoulder presses, while seated on a bench. The ADA recommends performing strength exercises at least twice per week, in addition to your cardio workouts. By damaging nerve function and sensation in your feet, diabetes-related neuropathy greatly increases your risk of falls, according to a review published in December in the International Journal of Nursing Sciences.

Accessed Jan. Diabetic neuropathy. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes — Diabetes Care. Peripheral neuropathy adult. Mayo Clinic; Feldman EL, et al. Management of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes and foot problems. Daroff RB, et al. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Bradley's Neurological Clinical Practice. Saunders Elsevier; Natural medicines in the clinical management of pain.

Natural Medicines. Nature Reviews — Disease Primers. Castro MR expert opinion. Mayo Clinic.