According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, diabetic nerve pain, or diabetic neuropathy, refers to a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. This term refers to nerve damage experienced by diabetics and can occur throughout the body. There is no quick solution for neuropathy pain, and nerves that have been damaged cannot be replaced. Preventing neuropathy is achievable through maintaining stable blood glucose levels, according to NDIC. Diet is paramount in the battle against diabetic neuropathy.
Neuropathies
According to "Diabetic Living" Magazine, approximately 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes also suffer from the pain of diabetic neuropathies. There are different types of diabetic neuropathies: peripheral, autonomic, proximal or focal. Each type affects different body parts in different ways. NDIC notes that peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, affecting approximately half of all people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy causes pain or loss of sensation in the legs, toes, feet, hands and arms. Nerves, once damaged, cannot be repaired. However, pain reduction may be achieved through healthy diet.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Metformin is linked to vitamin B-12 deficiency, which may prompt increased rates of diabetic neuropathies. According to David S.H. Bell, M.D., in the "Southern Medical Journal," long-term use of metformin, as commonly seen with Type 2 diabetes, results in vitamin B-12 deficiency approximately 30 percent of the time. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is often confused with neuropathy in diabetics, which is unfortunate as it is easily preventable. Discuss vitamin B-12 supplementation with your doctor and eat a diet rich in vitamin B-12 in order to arrest further nerve damage. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B-12; however, make your selections carefully in order to avoid high-sugar cereals.
Diet for Neuropathy Pain
The first step involves bringing blood glucose levels under control in order to prevent further damage to the nerves. According to podiatrists David Shofler and Jonathan Labovitz, in the Lower Extremity Review, you should focus on improving oral protein and calorie intake, ensuring that you consume approximately 15 to 20 percent of your daily calories in protein. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you consume 6 to 9 oz. per week of fish and eat at least 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Foods rich in alpha-lipoic acid may be beneficial for diabetic neuropathy pain, says Drs. Shofler and Labovitz. They add that research has shown positive results with supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid on both nerve deficits and painful peripheral neuropathy. Foods rich in alpha-lipoic acid include red meat, organ meats and brewer's yeast. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alpha-lipoic acid may lower blood sugar levels, and its ability to kill free radicals may help reduce burning, tingling, numbness and itching in people with nerve damage. Take supplements in consultation with your doctor.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- "Diabetic Living" Magazine; Pain From Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; 2011
- "Oxford Journals"; Metformin-Related Vitamin B-12 Deficiency; Kin Wah Liu, et al.; 2006
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B-12
- Lower Extremity Review; Metformin-Related Vitamin B12 Deficiency; David Shofler, DPM, and Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS; 2011
