Diabetic neuropathy is caused by the long-term effects of uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetics. It affects all parts of the body and organ systems. There are various types of neuropathies, and appropriate medications and treatments are used according to type and severity. Complications, such as nerve damage and organ failure, can result if the condition is not treated in the early phases of the disease. Medications together with nutrition and exercise are used to help reduce the symptoms of neuropathy.
Pain Medications for Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic progressive disease resulting in damages to the nervous system and peripheral nerves. This can present as chronic pain, which can cause debilitating physical, emotional and mental consequences to the individual. Long-term pain management treatment using combination drugs and topical pain analgesics can help to alleviate and reduce the severity of pain symptoms. Medications commonly prescribed are Opioid, Lidocaine patches, Pregabalin, Capsaicin topical cream and Duloxetine.
Treating Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is one type of neuropathy that can affect diabetic patients.
It affects the blood vessels; respiratory, urinary and digestive systems; sweat glands; and vision. Patients can present with sexual dysfunction, orthostatic hypertension, and digestive and urinary tract problems. Specific treatments and medications are used to treat the various complications. Medications such as Viagra and Cialis are used to treat sexual problems. Antispasmodic drugs, or anticholinergics, are used to treat gastrointestinal issues and decrease stomach acid secretion, erythromycin and tetracycline antibiotics for diarrhea, and metoclopramide to relieve nausea.
Control Blood Glucose
Diabetes can be controlled by treating patients with insulin medications along with diet and exercise. Insulin can be delivered via oral or injectible formulations. Types of insulin drugs approved by the FDA include Acarbose, which inhibits starch breakdown in the body; glipizide, which stimulates the pancreas to increase insulin levels; Metformin, which works to decrease liver glucose production; and Sitagliptin, which raises blood hemoglobin A1C levels, an indicator of blood sugar level control for the past few months, by preventing the breakdown of GLP-1 molecules in the body.
Slow Disease Progession
No cure for diabetic neuropathy exists. The goal is to slow down disease progression and manage complications. Controlling tight blood sugar levels is crucial to help delay the onset or progression of nerve and organ damage and can help decrease the risk of getting neuropathy by 60 percent. The target blood glucose level goals should be below 180 mg/dl after meals and Hb A1C (blood sugar indicator) below 7 percent. Insulin drugs to manage blood sugar levels are the first-line treatment approach for diabetes.
Alternative Therapies for Neuropathy
Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements can be used as adjunct therapies for managing the symptoms of neuropathy. Herbal remedies, such as bitter lemon and St. John's wort, can help control blood sugar levels. Complementary and alternative drugs for treating peripheral neuropathy include methylcobalamin, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid and chromium. Certain foods, such as folate in leafy green vegetables, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, can help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Always inform your doctor that you are starting alternative therapies to avoid any adverse drug interactions.
