Is Neuropathy Reversible?

Unfortunately, once neuropathy appears, you cannot reverse it. At the most, you can slow down the progression before it has lifelong consequences. It is important to not only know the signs of neuropathy, but also how to prevent it from progressing.

Definition of Neuropathy

• Neuropathy is damage caused to the nervous symptoms from continued high blood sugar.

Types of Neuropathy

• There are four types of neuropathy, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Peripheral neuropapthy refers to damage to the hands and feet. Autonomic controls the lungs, heart, bladder, and eyes. Proximal neuropapthy affects the hips and thighs. Focal neuropathy compresses just one nerve.

Symptoms of Neuropathy

• The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the affected nerves. The common signs are numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, eye pain, and hip or thigh pain.

Preventing Neuropathy

• The only way to prevent all forms of neuropathy is to control your blood sugar and keep your A1C (three-month blood sugar average) below 7 percent.

Slowing Progression of Neuropathy

• Once the symptoms of neuropathy appear, you cannot reverse them. However, you can slow progression by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes keeping your A1C under 7 percent, lowering blood pressure, getting your feet checked by a physician every year, and exercise.