Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the neurological system caused by chronically high glucose levels. Neuropathy affects as many as 70 percent of individuals who have diabetes, and the highest incidence is among people who have had the disease for more than 25 years, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Neuropathy is characterized by pain, weakness, numbness and tingling of your extremities that can come and go or can be chronic. Several of the B vitamins have the capacity to help stabilize your blood glucose and treat diabetic neuropathy. If you are considering using any nutritional supplement, speak with your doctor first.
Step 1
Take a vitamin B12 supplement according to manufacturer's directions, every day. According to the Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the University of Chicago, vitamin B12 deficiency is a common disorder. When this occurs chronically, the myelin sheath that covers your nerves is prone to damage, which then manifests as signs of neuropathy. Animal-based foods such as meat products are your best sources of vitamin B12; however, you may not be able to absorb enough to prevent a deficiency. In some cases, if you have a significant vitamin B12 deficiency, you may require supplements in injection form from your physician.
Step 2
Take 1 to 2 mg of a vitamin B1 supplement daily. The Mayo Clinic website explains that vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is involved in numerous processes in your body, including proper function of the muscular and neurological systems. A deficiency can manifest as a problem with your metabolism. This can lead to impairment of your digestive system and decrease your processing of glucose. This can cause you to develop high blood sugar levels that are typical of uncontrolled diabetes and can lead to neuropathy.
Step 3
Take 100 mg of vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, daily. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that aids the glucose transport system in the body. Without enough of this vitamin, your glucose remains high as your body struggles to process it into energy. Excess glucose levels can lead to damage to your neurological system, causing diabetic neuropathy. The site Life Extension adds that a deficiency of vitamin B6 is common if you already have diabetic neuropathy.
Step 4
Take a daily vitamin B3 supplement, also known as niacin, according to manufacturer's directions. According to MedlinePlus, a deficiency of this vitamin is common in individuals with alcoholism. Symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin B3 you might experience are muscle weakness, cramping and signs of neuropathy. If you have diabetic neuropathy, you might also experience a vitamin B3 deficiency due to inadequate absorption of nutrients. Correcting your nutritional deficiency cannot reverse damage already done to your nerves; however, it can help prevent additional damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
- Life Extension: Neuropathy (Diabetic)
- Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the University of Chicago: Types of Peripheral Neuropathy: Systemic/Metabolic
- MayoClinic.com: Thiamin (Thiamine): Vitamin B1
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Vitamin B6
- MedlinePlus: Alcoholic Neuropathy
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