Neuropathy is a condition that affects many people who suffer from diabetes. The damage that your nerves sustain from diabetes results from your blood sugar levels being elevated for a prolonged time. The range of symptoms you may exhibit will depend which one of the four types of diabetes-related neuropathy you have and which parts of your body are affected.
While there is currently no cure for diabetic neuropathy, there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms. At Prime Wellness, we may be able to help you manage your diabetes with a personalized course of naturopathic treatment that may include a specific diet and supplements. In fact, consuming the right nutrients and supplements can provide your nerves with what they need to slow down the progression of neuropathy and lessen the pain. Here are a few supplements you can take that may delay the effects of diabetic neuropathy.
Vitamin C
According to research, people who suffer from diabetes tend to have insufficient levels of vitamin C because of the disease and not their diet. If you have diabetic neuropathy, it is likely that you will have a high level of reduced vitamin C, a depleted version of the vitamin that has already been processed by your body. Because your body drains its vitamin C supply trying to combat the effects of neuropathy, it is important that you replenish the supply by taking supplements.
B-Vitamins
Benfoitiamine, thiamine, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 make up a group of vitamins that are responsible for creating cellular energy and making nerves work. Not having enough thiamine in your system can result in the onset of neuropathy. Benofotiamine, which is derived from thiamine, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is easily absorbed by your digestive system and is responsible for regulating the nerve pathways that can cause neuropathy; it also controls the cellular-level damage in your body that can result from elevated levels of glucose. Animal studies have shown that vitamin B12 can diminish the neuropathy-related nerve damage by activating a chemical that prompts nerve regeneration. Certain combinations of vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 have been shown to reduce diabetic neuropathy symptoms and help protect the nerve health in arms, hands, legs and feet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid is an essential fatty acid and antioxidant that is a component of every cell in your body. One of its most important functions is to aid in the metabolism of glucose, or to create energy from blood sugar. Studies have shown that the fatty acid may improve glucose metabolism in people with diabetic neuropathy and may also enhance blood flow to the nerves so that they are able to use energy more efficiently. Alpha lipoic acid is available in supplement form, such as in the Metagenics product Meta Lipoate 300, which you can take for top quality alpha lipoic acid.
Magnesium
Magnesium has a key role in your blood’s ability to clot and in how your nerves and muscles function, and research has shown that a deficiency in magnesium can worsen the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Individuals who suffer from type 1 diabetes and have low magnesium levels are likely to have a higher rate of nerve complications. Magnesium supplements can be taken to ensure that you are getting the daily recommended amount of the vitamin your diet may not be providing.
Vitamin E
People who suffer from diabetic neuropathy are often found to have extremely low levels of vitamin E in their bodies. Those who suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves, or the nerves located in the legs and feet, may see a marked improvement in their symptoms when taking vitamin E supplements. Research also indicates that people with type 2 diabetes can have better nerve function when placed on a vitamin E regimen.
Resveratrol
As a phytochemical that is found in grapes and red wine and is available as a supplement, resveratrol may slow down the progression of diabetic neuropathy due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to combat oxidative stress. According to one study, when resveratrol is combined with insulin, it can also lower your sensitivity to neuropathy-related pain.
Eating the right foods plays an important role in how your body is able to fight diabetes and the conditions that can result from the illness, such as neuropathy. However, relying on your diet may not provide the necessary amounts of nutrients you need to help slow down the condition. As a Metagenics product provider, Prime Wellness can provide you with the supplements you may need to make your naturopathic treatment plan against the illness more effective. Contact us today to learn about what other naturopathic options you have regarding the treatment of your disease.