How To Treat And Manage Diabetic Neuropathy

Antidepressant Medication

Antidepressant medication has been shown to work on more conditions than just depression. Specifically, antidepressant medications have been proven to work with some cases of chronic pain, including diabetic neuropathy. Unlike drugs, like opioids, antidepressants sometimes take several weeks before their full efficacy is realized, which is why patients are encouraged to continue with a new regime for a little while before talking to their doctor about its effectiveness. It is believed the medication increases neurotransmitter in the spinal cord, which can help reduce the pain signals.

If a patient is going to try an antidepressant, they must understand they will probably not feel any relief right away. Additionally, as with other medications, the doctor may want to use antidepressants in conjunction with other medicines, such as the previously mentioned anti-seizure medication. Sometimes it takes a combination of medication to achieve the desired result, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error before the correct combination is achieved.

Manage Blood Pressure

Evidence has shown individuals with diabetes tend to have high blood pressure. As a part of a healthier lifestyle, diabetes patients need to make sure they are controlling not only their blood sugar but also their blood pressure. Diabetes increases the chances of the patient having heart disease and high blood pressure. Because diabetes damages arteries, it makes them more susceptible to hardening (atherosclerosis).

Additionally, having high blood pressure can induce various conditions, including eye disease and kidney disease. Diabetes does not just affect the blood sugar. Patients must manage blood pressure as well. It has far-reaching effects on other systems in the body. So, a patient may need to take high blood pressure medicine or make lifestyle changes, in conjunction with their diabetic medicine compliance. This is because many times high blood pressure and high blood sugar go hand-in-hand and must be managed together.