Vitamins may help prevent certain conditions and treat others.
Diabetic neuropathy results from damage to the nerves caused by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy begins with treating the diabetes and doing so includes medication and a balanced diet to keep blood glucose levels in check. Vitamins may be included in the dietetic approach.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs from a failure of the cells of the body to absorb glucose from the blood and use it for energy. This failure to absorb may be the result of a lack of insulin (a hormone) or resistance of the cells to use insulin. The increased glucose in the blood causes damage to delicate body tissues.
Nerve Damage
The nerves are very delicate and are harmed when the increased glucose levels cause physical damage to them. As the nerves are damaged, they stop sending signals back to the brain. This leads to symptoms like numbness, pain, tingling or burning.
Treatment
Diabetes is treated by controlling the levels of glucose in the blood through medication or diet. Controlling the glucose levels prevents further damage to the nerves. While nerves cannot regenerate, the remaining symptoms may subside or be managed with further medication.
Diet
A proper diet is key to maintaining good blood glucose levels. The diet should include all the essential nutrients, including vitamins. Vitamins help the body perform certain functions, like metabolism, which is key in the use of glucose.
Evidence
There is little to no evidence that vitamins help in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The does exist points to improved blood glucose levels when vitamins are used as an overall better diet strategy. The recommended approach to treatment is medication, control and use of vitamins only as supplements.
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