Preventing and Reversing the Damage of Diabetic Neuropathy

The possibility of losing that feeling or sensation on one's feet is possible and this could even lead to the amputation of the limb when it can no longer be salvaged. This is possible for people who have DPN or diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) considering that up to 70% of diabetics experience nerve damage according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.

Healthline warned about the growing number of persons with Type 2 diabetes even if diabetes can be prevented. While diabetic neuropathy can be prevented, it cannot be done with medicine alone but also through lifestyle and diet change. Some sectors however believe that damage to one's nerves can no longer be reversed.

Cells play a very important role in a person's sense of touch or sensation but once the cells are damages when the person suffers from diabetic neuropathy then that person's sensations can be affected. There are several neuropathies namely peripheral or numbness in the hands, legs, toes and feet; proximal or numbness in the buttocks, hips, thighs and upper legs; autonomic or damage to the nerves that control digestive and urinary function, sexual response and sweating and focal or damage to the nerves that cause weakness and pain the muscles.

Huffington Post said that while damage resulting from diabetes is not reversible, there are researchers who are not giving up and continue to study the possibility of reversing diabetic neuropathy. But before one suffers from nerve damage, it is important to manage one's diabetes by lowering one's blood sugar and regularly making sure that there is no wound, infection or injury on one's feet. It is also important to eat healthy food like vegetables, fruits and high-fiber food.

Health Central said those with diabetes have a 50% chance of getting diabetic neuropathy. Diabetics cannot just rely on medicines as these are expensive but it is possible to ask the doctor for less-expensive drugs. Pain can be treated with medicine but when neuropathy remains untreated it can lead to amputations.