Gabapentin is first-line therapy for neuropathic pain. This review article provides an overview of current treatment and future therapeutic approaches: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431761/
Hello and welcome to the forum. Thank you for your question. Besides the excellent article Chin_C has linked, you can copy and paste this into your browser as well https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371587. Diabetic neuropathy is uncomfortable and we hope you are able to effectively alleviate it. Work with your doctor for guidance. The most important thing is to slow the progression which means controlling your diabetes. Keeping your numbers in the target range is important for controlling diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin is a choice and there are others. Anti seizure drugs have been show to be effective such as Lyrica. But also, antidepressants have worked for some. Tricyclic antidepressants which are an older class have been used and work well but do have a fair number of side effects. The newer class of antidepressant called SNRI (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) have fewer side effects and Cymbalta is usually the first line choice but there are others as well. Overall, staying active on a daily basis and ditching habits like smoking are helpful for controlling diabetic neuropathy. Let us know how you are doing.
Hi,
diabetic neuropathy is indeed difficult to deal with. There are some drugs that may help, however, as mentioned above even more critical is controlling your blood sugars.
Did you know that diabetic neuropathy can be reversed if blood sugars can be normalized. Typically this would mean reducing hba1c to less than 6.0 (closer to 5.0) is better, and keeping blood sugars in the range of 70 - 120/140 as much as possible.
When nerves heal they can be very painful. H owever, the pain should get better in a few months of keep sugars normal.
How to keep sugars normal? Strict control of diet, low carb or ketogenic approach typically works best. Weight management, regular exercise as much as you can manage. Frequent testing so you get feedback that you are doing is working, and medications as required.
Hope this helps and you can find some relief.
Do you have swelling in your ankles/feet? Swelling in your wrists/hands? Is your neuropathy worse as the day goes on?
Even if the swelling is not noticeable, try the following: Scoot your butt up against a wall, while on the floor or bed, and put your feet up on the wall. The higher you can place your feet the better since gravity is the answer.
Do this for one hour. (I literally am able to take a nap like this.) I do this in the evening after supper.
Diabetes Type 2 goes hand in hand with fluid retention, weight issues, blood pressure issues. Rate your neuropathy before and after elevating your limbs. Don't expect results after 5 minutes... One Hour.
Raise your hands up in the air, also, rinse and repeat.
Find socks that do not cut off circulation. Wear shoes that fit. Don't wear tight waistbands/belts. Don't wear tight collars/bras/ties/etc. Constipated? Find a product that helps with this.
The skinniest healthiest person in the world will experience neuropathy if circulation in a limb has been impaired for whatever reason.