Several over-the-counter (OTC) supplements have been studied to help improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin B12, vitamin D and magnesium. Vitamin B12, vitamin D and magnesium supplements can help if your levels are low. There is also some evidence that alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 supplements may improve symptoms of neuropathy.
But currently, no supplement is approved by the FDA for this reason. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Those that are available without a prescription include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. However, NSAIDs are known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially when are taken in high doses.
They can also cause harmful side effects, such as stomach irritation and bleeding, if you take them for a long time. They can also cause or worsen pre-existing kidney damage, which is more likely in people with diabetes. Medications such as paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. However, if you take them regularly, check with your doctor, as they may put you at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or damage renal.
Without proper treatment, diabetic neuropathy can lead to more complications, such as ulcers and amputations. Studies show that a daily intake of 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 can help improve glucose control and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Approximately 25% of people with diabetic neuropathy experience pain that can interfere with their daily functioning and sleep. Some small studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid may improve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy and other symptoms, such as numbness and tingling.
Some small studies suggest that these supplements may ease pain and other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, talk to your doctor about how to manage your diabetes. In addition, a review of more than 1000 hospitalized people with diabetes found that having low levels of magnesium could increase the chances of suffering from diabetic neuropathy (since having adequate levels of magnesium improves blood glucose). Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that affects a variety of nerves in the body of some people with diabetes.
There is some preliminary evidence that some of them, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid, may help with nerve pain caused by diabetes. However, another recent review found that an ALA supplement had no effect on diabetic neuropathy symptoms after at least 6 months of treatment. Diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and tingling in the hands and feet, digestive problems, and problems with sexual function. People can take several steps at home to ease the pain and discomfort caused by diabetic neuropathy, a possible complication of diabetes.
Usually, a doctor can diagnose diabetic neuropathy by performing a physical exam and carefully reviewing symptoms and medical history. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, don't work well for peripheral neuropathy and other types of nerve pain. Long-term magnesium supplementation favorably influences the natural course of neuropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) with magnesium deficiency. Keeping blood sugar under control may help prevent diabetic neuropathy and other diabetes-related health problems.
