Treatment of diabetic neuropathy is used to slow the progression of the disease, to educate diabetics on foot care and to relieve painful symptoms. Treatment includes preventative measures and self-help. Diabetics should seek early treatment if any symptoms occur and talk to their diabetic health care professional about diabetic neuropathy as soon as they’re diagnosed with diabetes. This will ensure they are aware of the symptoms and consequences of the disease. A diabetic’s first priority should be to monitor blood glucose levels daily and keep readings at a near normal level. If these go well above normal, the patient should see their doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetics must make drastic lifestyle changes to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, which significantly raises the risk of diabetic neuropathy. Changes include a healthy diet, lots of exercise and discontinuing the use of alcohol and tobacco. Regular checkups are necessary to check blood glucose levels, dietary behavior, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Diabetics with good metabolic control should be checked twice a year if they have no risk of cardiovascular complications. All other diabetics should be checked every three months; more often if recommended by their physician.
Foot Care
Good foot care is imperative for all diabetics. Always wear shoes or slippers. Never walk around in bare feet. This protects the feet from unnecessary cuts and injury.
Soak feet before cutting toenails. Never cut toenails yourself and be sure the nail is never cut into the nail bed.
Always dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes to prevent the growth of fungus.
Keep feet well moisturized to prevent skin from cracking. Moisturizer or oil should be applied to feet each night before retiring.
Watch for signs of cracking, bunions and corns. Report any change to your physician.