How to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are out of control can cause nerve damage. Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning, stinging or tingling sensations in your feet, legs, hands or arms. The condition can sometimes be painful.

Things You'll Need

• Chromium
• B vitamins
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Acetyl-l-carnitine
• Optional medications (gabapentin, pregabalin, insulin)
• Capsaicin

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Instructions

• 1

  Check your blood sugar on a regular basis so you can catch fluctuations before they get too severe. Controlling your blood sugar is the most effective way to prevent and reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

• 2

  Take a chromium supplement. Chromium can help control your blood sugar by supporting glucose metabolism. Natural sources of chromium include brewer's yeast, wheat germ and dried beans.

• 3

  Take a B complex vitamin every day. B vitamins are essential for nerve health. For example, benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble form of B-1; it is absorbed more quickly and may be especially helpful for those with diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin B-12 is also especially useful, as it helps regenerate the myelin sheaths that cover the nerves.

• 4

  Use alpha lipoic acid to repair nerve damage. A normal dosage is approximately 20 to 50 mg daily. It's best to start taking alpha lipoic acid before the nerve damage progresses too much. You can also try Acetyl-l-carnitine, which may help improve neuropathy symptoms.

• 5

  Discuss possible medications with your doctor if you are unsatisfied with supplements. Medication options for peripheral neuropathy include gabapentin and pregabalin (commonly known as Lyrica). It's also possible that you may require insulin shots.