
For diabetic neuropathy, you may want to try:
- Capsaicin. Capsaicin cream, applied to the skin, can reduce pain sensations in some people. Side effects may include a burning feeling and skin irritation.
- Alpha-lipoic acid. This powerful antioxidant is found in some foods and may help relieve nerve pain symptoms in some people.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine. This nutrient is naturally made in the body and available as a supplement. It may ease nerve pain in some people.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Your doctor may prescribe this therapy, which may help prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. ...
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture may help relieve the pain of neuropathy, and generally doesn't have any side effects. ...
What are the best medications for diabetic neuropathy?
Treatment
- Slowing progression of the disease. Consistently keeping your blood sugar within your target range is the key to preventing or delaying nerve damage.
- Relieving pain. Many prescription medications are available for diabetes-related nerve pain, but they don't work for everyone.
- Managing complications and restoring function. ...
What is the best drug for neuropathy?
- Over the counter painkillers
- Prescription painkillers
- TENS
- Acupuncture
- Vitamin supplements like Nerve Renew
- A healthy lifestyle
How to treat neuropathy naturally at home quickly?
– Omega-3 fatty acids can provide healthy fats that help to soothe nerves and relieve inflammation and pain due to peripheral neuropathy. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from flax seeds, borage oil and primrose oil. – Application of cayenne pepper combined with coconut or olive oil helps to relive neuropathy pain.
How effective are prescription drugs for neuropathy?
The main medications that are tried before all others at present are:
- Amitriptyline, which is used for the treatment of depression and chronic headaches
- Duloxetine, which is used for the treatment of depression and bladder problems
- Gabapentin and pregabalin, which is used to treat anxiety, chronic headaches, and epilepsy

Which drug is best for diabetic neuropathy?
Pregabalin (Lyrica), gabapentin (Neurontin), amitriptyline (except in older adults), or duloxetine (Cymbalta) should be used as first-line treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
What is the best medication to take for neuropathy?
The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include:amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
What is the latest treatment for diabetic neuropathy?
An extremely important recent FDA approval was just announced authorizing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. We expect this to help the lives of thousands.
What is first-line treatment for diabetic neuropathy?
First-line treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain includes tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline [Pamelor]). If these agents are contraindicated, newer anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin [Neurontin], pregabalin [Lyrica]) should be considered.
What is the best treatment for neuropathy in your feet and legs?
An exclusive and effective treatment for neuropathy in the legs and feet, The Combination Electro-analgesia Therapy, (CET), has been extremely effective in relieving pain and discomfort, reversing your numbness, and restoring your sensation while improving your acuity, balance, and strength in your hands and feet.
What is the fastest way to get rid of neuropathy?
Exercise. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help. Quit smoking.
Can you reverse Type 2 diabetes nerve damage?
Nerve damage from diabetes can't be reversed. This is because the body can't naturally repair nerve tissues that have been damaged. However, researchers are investigating methods to treat nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Are there any new medications for neuropathy?
FDA Approves NUCYNTA® ER (tapentadol) Extended-Release Oral Tablets for the Management of Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy | Johnson & Johnson.
Can diabetic neuropathy be stopped?
There is currently no way to reverse diabetic neuropathy, although scientists are working on future treatments. For now, the best approach is to manage blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping glucose within target levels can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy and its complications.
Does a neurologist treat diabetic neuropathy?
A general practitioner, endocrinologist, or podiatrist may diagnose and treat diabetic neuropathy. They may also refer a person to a neurologist for further testing if necessary.
Does Metformin help with peripheral neuropathy?
While evaluating the results, they found that metformin-treated diabetes patients had a higher moderate to severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy and higher scores for the TCSS than the patients non-treated with metformin (10 versus 5; p<0.001).
Is gabapentin used for diabetic neuropathy?
— Gabapentin monotherapy appears to be efficacious for the treatment of pain and sleep interference associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and exhibits positive effects on mood and quality of life.
What is the most effective treatment for neuropathic pain?
SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine at the synaptic level. Duloxetine is the most effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
What is the safest drug for nerve pain?
SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are a newer type of antidepressant that seem to help with nerve pain. In general, these drugs have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They might be safer for some, especially older people with heart problems.
How do you calm down neuropathy?
The following suggestions can help you manage peripheral neuropathy:Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check your feet daily for signs of blisters, cuts or calluses. ... Quit smoking. ... Eat healthy meals. ... Massage. ... Avoid prolonged pressure.
What causes neuropathy to flare up?
It's usually caused by chronic, progressive nerve disease, and it can also occur as the result of injury or infection. If you have chronic neuropathic pain, it can flare up at any time without an obvious pain-inducing event or factor. Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as well.
Diabetes Treatment: Lowering Blood Sugar
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Drugs used to treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Alternative treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How does diabetes medicine work?
Each class of medicine works in different ways to lower blood sugar. A drug may work by: Stimulating the pancreas to produce and release more insulin. Inhibiting the production and release of glucose from the liver.
Can you take a single medication for type 2 diabetes?
However, you may need medications to achieve target blood sugar (glucose) levels. Sometimes a single medication is effective. In other cases, a combination of medications works better. The list of medications for type 2 diabetes is long and potentially confusing.
Is diabetes a single treatment?
No single diabetes treatment is best for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your doctor can determine how a specific medication or multiple medications may fit into your overall diabetes treatment plan and help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of specific diabetes drugs. Oct. 24, 2020.
What is the second most common type of neuropathy in people with diabetes?
The second most common type of neuropathy in people with diabetes is autonomic neuropathy. The autonomic nervous system runs other systems in your body over which you have no conscious control. Many organs and muscles are controlled by it, including your: digestive system. sweat glands.
What does it mean when you feel a sore on your foot?
muscle weakness. loss of balance or coordination. Some people experience symptoms more often at night. If you have peripheral neuropathy , you may not feel an injury or sore on your foot. People with diabetes often have poor circulation, which makes it more difficult for wounds to heal.
What is proximal neuropathy?
Proximal neuropathy. A rare form of neuropathy is proximal neuropathy, also known as diabetic amyotrophy. This form of neuropathy is more commonly seen in adults over 50 years old with fairly well controlled type 2 diabetes, and more often in men. It often affects the hips, buttocks, or thighs.
How long does it take for proximal neuropathy to go away?
Like proximal neuropathy, most focal neuropathies go away in a few weeks or months and leave no lasting damage. The most common type is carpal tunnel syndrome. Although most don’t feel the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, about 25 percent of people with diabetes have some degree of nerve compression at the wrist.
What is the most common form of neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy. The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy usually affects the feet and legs, but it can also affect the arms or hands. Symptoms are varied, and can be mild to severe. They include: numbness.
What causes pins and needles in feet?
It’s common for symptoms of neuropathy to appear gradually. In many cases, the first type of nerve damage to occur involves the nerves of the feet. This can lead to the symptom of sometimes painful “pins and needles” in your feet. Symptoms vary depending on the areas affected.
How to reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy?
Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is the best way to decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy or slow its progression. It can also relieve some symptoms. Quitting smoking and exercising regularly are also parts of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What are the drugs used to treat diabetes type 2?
Select drug class All drug classes minerals and electrolytes (3) sulfonylureas (11) non-sulfonylureas (3) insulin (48) alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (3) bile acid sequestrants (2) thiazolidinediones (4) ...
What is the most common type of diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Although some symptoms may be similar, it is a different condition to type 1 diabetes .
Why is type 2 diabetes more prevalent in younger people?
In the past two decades, the condition has become more prevalent in younger people, including children, mainly because of the rising rates of obesity in children. People who do little exercise or of certain ethnicities (such as Native Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanics) are also at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Can type 2 diabetes produce insulin?
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, most people with type 2 diabetes still produce insulin. However, it is either not enough to deal with all the glucose that is in their blood or their cells are unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly (this is called insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes usually affects people who are middle-aged ...
Can diabetes cause heart problems?
Even though symptoms of type 2 diabetes are barely noticeable in some people, constantly high blood sugar levels cause permanent damage to all the blood vessels and nerves in the body. Untreated diabetes can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, erectile dysfunction, foot problems, gum disease, eye and kidney disease, ...
Medications for Pain Management
Non-prescription pain medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve) can be used for mild-to-moderate neuropathy pain.
Non-drug pain management options
Learn about the many non-drug pain management options that have been used to treat PDN in our deep-dive guide here, covering options including:
Spinal cord stimulation technology
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), first used to treat pain in 1967, is well researched and used across a variety of pain management cases. Compared to medication treatments for pain, these devices are not addictive and have no side effects like drowsiness, brain fog, or upset stomach.
The Bottom Line
You do not need to suffer through the intense daily pain of neuropathy. While it can take some time to find the right treatment to help you manage and reduce your pain, there are new and better treatments available today. Talk to your healthcare team about finding the right treatment option for you!
What is the name of the neuropathy that affects the internal organs of the heart, digestive system, and sweat
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy primarily affects the autonomic nerves that serve internal organs, processes, and systems of the heart, digestive system, sexual organs, urinary tract and sweat glands. This kind of diabetic polyneuropathy can cause symptoms such as:
What is the name of the condition that causes numbness in the chest wall?
Focal Neuropathy (Diabetic Mononeuropathy) This type of diabetic neuropathy affects one nerve at a time, and the symptoms depend on which nerve is affected. For example, it can affect nerves in the chest (thoracic nerves) and cause numbness and pain in the chest wall that mimics angina , heart attack or appendicitis.
What is the name of the condition that affects the nerves in the arms, hands, legs and feet?
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) affects multiple peripheral sensory and motor nerves that branch out from the spinal cord into the arms, hands, legs and feet. Typically, the longest nerves — those that extend from the spine to the feet — are affected the most.
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
Although the exact causes of diabetic neuropathy are unknown, several factors may contribute to the disorder, including: High blood sugar (glucose). High blood glucose causes chemical changes in nerves and impairs the nerves’ ability to transmit signals. It can also damage blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
Why is early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy important?
But since not all foot or limb pain means diabetic neuropathy, accurate diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate treatment.
Why is aerobic exercise important for neuropathy?
Daily aerobic exercises are shown to protect the nerves and improve neuropathy outcomes . Losing weight is also important if a patient is obese or overweight.
How long does it take for neuropathy to develop?
Significant nerve problems (clinical neuropathy) can develop within the first 10 years after a diabetes diagnosis. The risk of developing neuropathy increases the longer you have diabetes. About half of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.

Diagnosis
- A doctor can usually diagnose diabetic neuropathy by performing a physical exam and carefully reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will check your: 1. Overall muscle strength and tone 2. Tendon reflexes 3. Sensitivity to touch and vibration Along with the physica…
Treatment
- Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure. The goals of treatment are to: 1. Slow progression of the disease 2. Relieve pain 3. Manage complications and restore function
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- These measures can help you feel better overall and reduce your risk of diabetic neuropathy: 1. Keep your blood pressure under control.If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, you have an even greater risk of complications. Try to keep your blood pressure in the range your doctor recommends, and be sure to have it checked at every office visit. 2. Make healthy food choices.…
Coping and Support
- Living with diabetic neuropathy can be difficult and frustrating. If you find yourself feeling depressed, it may help to talk to a counselor or therapist. Support groups also can offer encouragement and advice about living with diabetic neuropathy. Ask your doctor if there are any in your area, or for a referral to a therapist. The American Diabetes Association offers online sup…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you don't already see an endocrinologist, you'll likely be referred to one if you start showing signs of diabetes complications. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. You may also be referred to a neurologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating nervous system problems. To prepare for your appointment, y…