The Diabetic Neuropathy Syndrome - A Complete Guide

Neuropathy is a prevalent challenge for diabetic patients, with a significant 50% of them encountering this condition at least once in their lives. The key symptoms of neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet, can substantially impact your overall health. If you're grappling with this disease, know that you're not alone. This guide is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of the symptoms and management of neuropathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy 

Diabetic neuropathy, a condition resulting from damaged nerves, presents numerous symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe disability, depending on the affected nerves and the extent of the damage.

Sensory Symptoms: One of the most common symptoms is a tingling sensation, typically in the hands and feet. This can progress to numbness, where the person loses the ability to feel pain, temperature, or touch in the affected areas. Burning pain, sharp, jabbing pains, or extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia) are also common. Some people may experience a gradual onset of numbness and tingling, which can spread upward into the legs and arms.

Motor Symptoms: Diabetic neuropathy can cause muscle weakness and difficulty coordinating movements, which can lead to problems with walking, balance, and manual dexterity. Muscle cramping and twitching are also typical, and in severe cases, muscle wasting may occur. People may notice they are dropping things more frequently or find it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills.

Autonomic Symptoms: When diabetic neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary functions, symptoms can include digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, bladder problems such as incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. There may also be a lack of sweating (anhidrosis) or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). More seriously, autonomic neuropathy can affect heart rate and blood pressure regulation, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Other Symptoms: Emotional disturbances and sleep disruptions are also reported by those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, primarily due to the discomfort and pain. In serious cases, there can be life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeats.

Understanding these symptoms is a multifaceted approach to early diagnosis and effective management. By being proactive and enlightened, you can significantly improve your quality of life while dealing with diabetic neuropathy. This knowledge empowers you to take control of your health and well-being.

How to Diagnose Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a group of nerve conditions that affect people with diabetes. It can provoke numbness and pain in the feet, legs or hands, leading to problems with the digestive tract, heart or sex organs.

Always consult your Doctor whenever you face this condition. Your healthcare provider will diagnose diabetic neuropathy after inspecting your medical history and performing a physical examination. They will check your feet for sores, blisters and injuries. They will feel your toes, fingers and under your foot for changes in sensation and how your muscles respond to touch. 

They will also perform a nerve conduction study and may conduct other tests if they suspect a specific type of diabetic neuropathy. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy focuses on controlling your blood sugar and managing your pain. 

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends the following target blood sugar levels:

• Before a meal (preprandial plasma glucose): 80–130 mg/dL

• 1-2 hours after the beginning of the food (postprandial plasma glucose)*: Less than 180 mg/dL

Also, you should inspect your feet daily for any injuries and treat them immediately. Maintaining good foot care and working with your healthcare team to prevent complications is crucial.

Natural Supplements: The Real Fighter Against Diabetic Neuropathy 

While managing diabetic neuropathy with a natural supplement can be a successful option due to its natural properties and lack of side effects, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these supplements may vary from person to person. If you are considering a supplement, we recommend counseling with your Doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. If you are interested in a supplement with natural ingredients, SugarMD’s Alpha Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine may be a suitable option. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a robust antioxidant that might boost nerve function and alleviate neuropathy pain. It fights free radicals, which can lead to nerve damage and inflammation. Research indicates (ALA) can improve glucose uptake in nerve tissues, offering crucial nutrients and energy to maintain nerve health. Its container comes up with 60 capsules, and we recommend taking 2 capsules daily with any meal. 

Benfotiamine is an alternative form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that helps reduce advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and supports nerve health. Benfotiamine has been shown to improve nerve conduction and relieve symptoms of neuropathy, making it a valuable component in managing diabetic neuropathy. Also, this product may help maintain your high blood sugar level and related complications. It is recommended that you take 2 capsules with food every day.

Luckily, Dr. Ergin formulated these supplements with natural ingredients, following all the proven rules and regulations. These products support the production of neuroprotective molecules, further aiding in nerve repair and regeneration. They also may help reduce inflammation, pain and discomfort associated with nerve damage. 

Before making any changes to your treatment plan, including the use of natural supplements, it's important to consult your Doctor. You can get expert guidance and ensure any new treatments are safe and appropriate for you.

The Bottom Line!

With a solid aim of providing the best healthcare solutions, SugarMD always goes one step ahead in offering natural supplements that not only manage diabetic neuropathy but also keep you healthy. 

Visit SugarMD’s website and buy now! At our store, you will also find a variety of supplements for blood pressure, glucose, thyroid, and many more. Every product is made under the supervision of Dr.Ergin, using all the natural ingredients that will improve your overall well-being.