What to do about diabetic neuropathy? - Diabetes Message Board

10-06-2003, 04:56 AM

Hi everyone,

Hope you're well. I just mentioned in my reply to one of the messages here that my dad is diabetic (type 2).

I have a question with regards to diabetic neuropathy. My father almost constantly has the feeling of numbness in his hands and feet. His medication appears to have very little effect on that. Is there any other way of easing these symptoms and are there any herbal remedies that might help? Thanks.

dwpavlik · 10-06-2003, 08:32 AM

Hello
You dad’s doctor should be able to recommend some medications that can help. They will probably be some kind of seizure medicine. These help block signals to the brain, therefore sometimes referred to as signal blockers. Also Elavil helps well. If he can see an endocrinologist, that specialist can give better care for him GP's just do not have the knowledge that is needed to care for the specifics of a diabetic. The meds can help. Please read all of the side affects of any of these kind of medications. Some of them can be dangerous to some people. A lot of diabetics respond very well to the meds and that is why they are used. Also there are many to choose from so if he has bad side affects or is allergic to one there are others that he can try. There usually is something out there that can help.
Don

Wykon · 10-07-2003, 09:09 AM

Speaking from my own experience, 500 /600 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid daily helps to minimize the neuropothy to the point where it is hardly noticeable. It takes 3 to 4 weeks to notice the difference.

farscape66 · 10-13-2003, 11:32 AM

Ask the dr about Neurontin, it helps some. But there is no cure. The alpha lipoic acid suggestion is also a good one it too helps a little. But they have no real cure.