Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure. No, diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed (but symptoms can be treated). Once nerves have been damaged, they can't repair themselves. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can affect up to 50% of people with diabetes.
However, diabetic neuropathy can often be prevented or its progress delayed with consistent blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle. Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that can affect the legs and cause numbness, tingling and pain. Talk to your health care team that specializes in diabetes for advice if you think you are developing any signs of neuropathy. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends glycated hemoglobin (A1C) of 7.0% or less for most of people with diabetes.
The main danger of sensory neuropathy for a person with diabetes is a loss of feeling in their feet, especially if they don't realize that this has happened. Usually, a doctor can diagnose diabetic neuropathy by performing a physical exam and carefully reviewing symptoms and medical history. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that screening for diabetic neuropathy begin immediately after a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or five years after a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to be hospitalized for a foot ulcer than for any other complication of diabetes.
Depending on the nerves affected, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include pain and numbness in the legs, feet, and hands. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes get a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test at least twice a year. You can prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy and its complications by closely monitoring your blood sugar level and taking good care of your feet. Mayo Clinic recommends slightly lowering blood sugar levels for most young people with diabetes, and slightly higher levels for older people with other medical conditions and who may be at greater risk of complications from hypoglycemia.
Researchers believe that, over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar levels damage nerves and interfere with their ability to send signals, causing diabetic neuropathy. Foot problems, such as sores that don't heal, ulcers, and even amputation, are common complications of diabetic neuropathy. Nerve pain caused by diabetes, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, can be severe, constant and difficult to treat.
