topic Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy in Wellness

Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

Snowhite714 — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:31:24 GMT

Anyone have any suggestions for how to manage diabetic neuropathy? The burning, pins and needles, and numbness are driving me crazy day and especially night. For some reason the burning seems to affect the pelvic area most, I've been examined and nothing else is going on in that area.

I've tried some OTC creams and although they work fast, it seems that when they wear off the neuropathy is even worse. HELP!!!

Thank you.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

Roni18 — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:34:08 GMT

If you are not doing so try taking B complex vitamins. My father with type 2 switched vitamins and started having that pins and needles feeling. The new ones did not have vitamin B. When he went back to his old vitamins the neuropathy improved.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

NickNack — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:39:16 GMT

@Snowhite714 MayoClinic dot org has some good information on treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Hasn't your doctor prescribed something for you? There are many choices of drugs to take for this. One of them could really help you.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

BirkiLady — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:40:48 GMT

@Snowhite714 Has your PCP given you a prescription for Metformin ER? There are different dosages and only he/she will be able to provide that for you. Metformin ER is helpful for all diabetics with neuropathy. Ask about it!

I'm bothered with neuropathy in the hands, feet and legs which is helped with warm baths each morning and evening. Sleeping with an electric blanket on top of my quilt also has helped during the colder months, which keeps the veins open and the blood flowing easily thus reducing the "pins & needles", numbness, and cold of my feet and legs.

I wear natural fibers in all clothing, only pima cotton nightgowns (Lands End or LL Bean), sleep on 100% cotton flannel sheets (IIRC LL Bean), wear good leather footwear (Birkinstock's are my favorite - but there are others), and eat healthy & walk daily! It all makes a huge difference in my comfort level and overall health.

All these changes occured in my mid-50's after wearing heels everyday since my teen years and living & loving life without a care! Yes, I wore silks, wools, linens - but never had I owned a pima cotton nightgown or a flannel sheet or worried about eating "healthy" or walking daily!! After becoming a diabetic, all of it has become a way of life that I'm happy to embrace. [It does help that I'm widowed and able to sleep in a cotton nightgown and on flannel sheets! ]

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

RedTop — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:30:49 GMT

Gabapentin is another medication that helps with neuropathy pain from diabetes and peripheral artery disease. It is important to start addressing neuropathy pain early.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

HerRoyaLioness — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 02:52:32 GMT

I have been using alpha-lipoic acid capsules with pretty good results, 600 mg per day, with the approval of my dr.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

Teddie — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:38:10 GMT

@HerRoyaLioness wrote:
I have been using alpha-lipoic acid capsules with pretty good results, 600 mg per day, with the approval of my dr.

Absolutely, I’ve recommended this several times. I’ve taken this for years and can tell when I’ve stopped taking it for awhile.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

FranandZoe — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:37:43 GMT

Doctors Best Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg, Andrew Lessman supplement for circulation & vein support, Natures Bounty Super B Complex. I take them all. I suffered with neuropathy and restless leg syndrome - no more.

The main thing though is keeping your blood sugar under control. I take Metformin and I've taken Trulicity for 5 years too - it's been a Godsend. In fact my numbers are such that my dr told me I could go off the meds if I wanted to.

Diet and exercise - walking - is also very important.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:44:09 GMT

I take Alpha Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine. They don't cure it, or totally eliminate the pain and numbness, but at the present at least it's not getting worse.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

arrabella — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:52:08 GMT

Thats what my husband takes and though it does help there are times where there are break through "pins and needles". He really needs to go to the doctor and get the dosage increased. No need to suffer if there are meds that can help!

@RedTop wrote:
Gabapentin is another medication that helps with neuropathy pain from diabetes and peripheral artery disease. It is important to start addressing neuropathy pain early.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

ID2 — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 20:58:09 GMT

I'm a type 1 for the past 43 years. I still haven't developed any neuropathy. I keep very active and feel that has really benefited me.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

qualitygal — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:57:03 GMT

If your regular doctor can't seem to be helping, maybe you need another kind of doctor. Maybe your MD would recommend someone. I'm sure when they have no idea, they'd be glad to help you out with a second opinion. You would think so anyway!

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

qualitygal — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:00:09 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
Gabapentin is another medication that helps with neuropathy pain from diabetes and peripheral artery disease. It is important to start addressing neuropathy pain early.

Does it have to be by prescription, or OTC? Never heard of it, suppose doc has to pres.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

qualitygal — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:03:26 GMT

@Teddie wrote:
@HerRoyaLioness wrote:
I have been using alpha-lipoic acid capsules with pretty good results, 600 mg per day, with the approval of my dr.

Absolutely, I’ve recommended this several times. I’ve taken this for years and can tell when I’ve stopped taking it for awhile.

@Teddie OTC correct? Never heard of this.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

Teddie — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:14:01 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
@Teddie wrote:
@HerRoyaLioness wrote:
I have been using alpha-lipoic acid capsules with pretty good results, 600 mg per day, with the approval of my dr.

Absolutely, I’ve recommended this several times. I’ve taken this for years and can tell when I’ve stopped taking it for awhile.
@Teddie OTC correct? Never heard of this.

Yes, @qualitygal , it’s just a vitamin. You can easily buy this. Currently I’m using Procaps brand but it doesn’t have to be that.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

RedTop — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 02:48:03 GMT

@qualitygal

Yes, Gabapentin is a prescription medication.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

PodyPo — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:21:02 GMT

I have neuropathy from chemo, my neourologist doc put me on Cymbalta, started at 20 mg per day and now up to 40. I rarely have any problems now, and previously it was as you described. Doc said it is an off label use.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

Toppers3 — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:42:41 GMT

@HerRoyaLioness wrote:
I have been using alpha-lipoic acid capsules with pretty good results, 600 mg per day, with the approval of my dr.

I take it as well.

I ran out for awhile, and I definitely noticed enough of a difference from being off of it.

@Snowhite714 and for anyone else dealing with Neuropathy, I would recommend talking to your doctor. That way you can discuss medications for Neuropathy, and also any supplements that you'd additionally like to try taking.

Besides Alpha Lipoic Acid, I also take a B Complex supplement to help with nerve function.

I also take Magnesium and Malic Acid and Tart Cherry, too.

I have Fibromyalgia as well, and these other supplements can help with pain and inflammation.

As others have mentioned, there is no cure, but you can feel more comfortable.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

BLH — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 17:36:58 GMT

I have neuropathy in my feet from chemo. i have tried cymbalta and gabapentin with no relief. I will try some of the suggestions you all have made. Thank you very much.

Re: Diabetes (Type 2) and Neuropathy

panda1234 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:12:24 GMT

@FranandZoe wrote:
Doctors Best Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg, Andrew Lessman supplement for circulation & vein support, Natures Bounty Super B Complex. I take them all. I suffered with neuropathy and restless leg syndrome - no more.

The main thing though is keeping your blood sugar under control. I take Metformin and I've taken Trulicity for 5 years too - it's been a Godsend. In fact my numbers are such that my dr told me I could go off the meds if I wanted to.

Diet and exercise - walking - is also very important.

@FranandZoe Just a question.....the Andrew Lessman supplements, is that one pill or two different pills?