Diabetic neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves due to high blood sugar for an extended period of time. It is one of the most frequently occurring diabetic complications, and often begins with a minor tingling sensation in the toes that many people dismiss as a minor annoyance until it gradually creeps up and begins to impact the individual's life.
It usually strikes the feet and legs first, sometimes the hands as well, and occasionally it extends beyond that and impacts on digestion, bladder or blood vessel activity. In this tricky situation, nerve damage cannot be reversed without treatment. This is why early diagnosis and regular management is so important.
If you are considering diabetic neuropathy treatment in Pune, it's not about simply relieving the pain. It's to help slow the damage, avoid complications to the feet and help support the nerves that are still functioning.
Diabetic neuropathy progresses slowly and typically affects the feet and works its way up the body. Watch for:
The numbness is also a more serious condition than the pain as it means that a small cut, blister or pressure sore that develops on the feet can go unnoticed until they become serious.
When blood sugar is abnormally high for a prolonged period of time, this can harm the nerves over time and decrease the supply of oxygen and nutrients to these nerves through the small blood vessels. In Ayurveda, this is called Vata-Kapha imbalance with the effect on Majja Dhatu (nerve tissue) and further worsened by a prolonged metabolic imbalance. Risk factors are:
There is a lot that can be done to help prevent diabetic neuropathy, and even if it's already developed, its effects can be slowed down dramatically:
Instead of taking painkillers to get through the day, effective diabetic neuropathy treatment in Pune involves controlling blood sugar levels and using therapies that target the nerves.
Most patients will come to see me for diabetic neuropathy treatment in Pune by the time the tingling has become constant or burning and interferes with sleep. Dr. Rajeev Keloth Nambiar, MD, BAMS at Dr. Nambiar's Advanced Ayurveda, considers this to be a Vata-Kapha imbalance at Majja Dhatu (nerve tissue), exacerbated by years of unchecked blood sugar levels and impaired circulation.
Treatment emphasizes nourishment and repair of nerve tissue, using specific Ayurvedic formulas, as well as therapies for better circulation to the feet and legs, where damage tends to be most advanced. This is complemented by diet and metabolic correction, which need to be followed as well as the nerve treatment since no treatment is effective for nerves if the blood sugar is not brought under control. Practical instructions are also given to many patients with foot care, as preventing foot ulcers is important as much as treating the nerve pain.
Dr. Nambiar has helped numerous diabetic patients reclaim sensation and lessen their reliance on pain medication by providing long-term treatment that tackles the underlying causes of their condition, overcoming some who have given up expectation of ever feeling it again and experiencing burning sensation at night.
While nerve damage will not go away after it has progressed, early neuropathy can make a huge improvement and even more advanced stages of neuropathy can be slowed and made much more manageable with the right treatment.
Usually a tingling or slightly numb feeling in the toes or feet, easy to dismiss at first, which is exactly why it often goes unnoticed for months.
Yes. In addition to strict blood sugar control, Ayurvedic therapy involves nourishing nerve tissue, enhancing blood flow, and restoring the metabolism to normal balance.
Numbness can lead to small cuts or blisters not being noticed and developing into serious wounds. One of the easiest means to avoid issues is to do a daily foot exam.
It is the most critical factor, but not necessarily sufficient, particularly after damage has occurred. Treatment for nerves along with blood sugar control provides better results.
Not always, but if you do have diabetes and are experiencing a persistent tingling or numbness, it's worth a visit to your doctor as it may not improve.