Managing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) & Current Treatment Options

Living with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) often means managing pain, preventing injury, and preventing further nerve damage. A customized management plan can improve quality of life and ease symptoms. Here’s an overview of effective strategies and treatment options for DPN.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining near-target blood glucose levels is essential for slowing DPN progression and protecting nerves from further damage.
• Healthy Diet and Exercise: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet help manage blood sugar levels and support nerve health.
• Foot Care: Daily foot checks and appropriate footwear are essential to prevent unnoticed injuries that could lead to infections.
• Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking can also improve healing by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the damaged nerves.

Medications for Symptom Management

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may offer short-term relief for mild pain.
• Prescription Medications:some text
  • Neuropathic pain drugs: Neuropathic pain drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) and pregabalin (Lyrica) help manage nerve pain by calming overactive nerve signals.
  • Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, like duloxetine) are sometimes prescribed for neuropathic pain.
  • Topical Treatments: Lidocaine patches and capsaicin cream can offer localized relief for some individuals.

Physical and Complementary Therapies

• Physical Therapy: Exercises can improve strength, mobility, and balance, potentially reducing the risk of falls and injury.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS uses low-voltage electrical currents that may relieve nerve pain for some people.
• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may reduce DPN-related pain, though individual results vary.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials allow researchers to assess investigational treatments for DPN symptoms. Participants may receive either the investigational treatment, a ‘current standard of care’ pain medication, or a placebo, with neither guaranteed to improve symptoms. Clinical trials follow rigorous protocols to ensure participant safety and collect valuable investigational data. By participating, individuals contribute to research that may advance future treatment options.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Sources

1. Gonzalez-Duarte, A., & Raja, S.N. (2022). Medications for Neuropathic Pain Management in Diabetic Neuropathy. PMC

2. Diabetes Canada | Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy Guide

3. Mayo Clinic | Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment Options

4. Frontiers in Endocrinology | Neuropathy Management in Diabetes