With better blood sugar control, symptoms of diabetes-related neuropathy, such as numbness and other abnormal sensations, may disappear within a year. The more severe the neuropathy, the less likely it is to be reversible. The bottom line is that, unless neuropathy is in its early stages, the condition is virtually irreversible. That said, since neuropathy is progressive, there are ways to stop the condition, contain the damage, and make the person more comfortable with Diabetes Treatment near Fairfax DE.Peripheral neuropathy can be a temporary problem or it can be permanent.
The duration of the illness depends on the cause, the extent of the damage, if it has caused it, the treatments and more. In a recent issue of JCI, the same group of researchers advanced their observations by reporting on the effect of VEGF gene transfer on experimental diabetic neuropathy (1). Using a design similar to that of the previous report, they studied the functions of peripheral nerves in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. The large nerve fibers were tested by measuring nerve conduction velocities, while the function of the small fibers was evaluated by testing the movement of the tail in response to a harmful thermal stimulus. Surprisingly, the transfer of the VEGF gene 12 weeks after the induction of diabetes completely restored the nerve function anomalies studied in both large and small fibers.
In addition, VEGF restored nerve blood flow and the number of nerve vessels to the levels observed in non-diabetic animals, indicating that VEGF exerts its beneficial effects by promoting angiogenesis in peripheral nerves. The authors observed similar effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, indicating that these effects are not specific to a single animal model. While it is tempting to speculate that the observed improvement in nerve electrophysiology must be the basis for a considerable normalization of nerve pathology, this hypothesis still exists has not been verified by histological analysis. Sometimes neuropathy can improve over time if the cause is treated, but in some people the damage may be permanent or worsen over time.
Often, treatment for neuropathy focuses on symptoms, not on the nerve damage itself. Neurogenx is an innovative treatment that uses a combination of medications and electrical signals to heal damaged nerves and restore function. Some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may come and go, although they usually become more persistent over time. Keeping blood sugar levels within ideal limits, taking medications prescribed for diabetes, and taking care of your feet are important steps to help control the disease and its symptoms.
Maintaining blood sugar and diabetes control is the most effective way to prevent diabetes complications in general. This has led researchers to question the validity of experimental rodent models as representative of human diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral polyneuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that can clinically affect 30% of all diabetic patients and is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. The primary concern of sensory neuropathy for a person with diabetes is loss of feeling in their feet, especially if they don't realize that this has happened.
VEGF gene therapy is currently being tested to treat lower limb ischemia and promote wound healing in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Good glycemic control, the only proven treatment for diabetic neuropathy in humans (), is only known to prevent the development or stop the progression of the disease and has not been shown to reverse established lesions. Other physiological changes that accompany the onset of diabetes can also contribute to peripheral neuropathy. You can help avoid diabetic neuropathy by getting support for physical activity and following a healthy, balanced diet.
Although the peripheral nerves of diabetic patients are clearly hypoxic, it is not certain whether this hypoxia can cause increased expression of VEGF, as occurs in muscles and the retina. Diabetic neuropathy can affect any of these nerves, but you'll notice damage to sensory nerves quite easily for obvious reasons. Your healthcare provider and other diabetes specialists, such as a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), will work with you to achieve realistic blood sugar goals. Studies show that peripheral neuropathy affects at least 20% of people with type 1 diabetes who have had diabetes for at least 20 years.
You'll also need to visit your diabetes professional (such as an endocrinologist) regularly to make adjustments to your diabetes management plan.
