-
Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
numb toes
- Thread starter anneflan
- Start Date
Hello anneflan,
Benfotiamine is a useful supplement for the treatment of nerve damage and nerve pain
associated with neuropathy.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is also used to treat neuropathy, and has the added benefit of improving the cellular uptake of glucose (it makes insulin more potent).
I can personally recommend ginkgo biloba (leaf powder) for improving poor circulation to
the feet (and other peripheries). You should avoid the higher strength ginkgo extracts,
as these have side effects including an increased risk of stroke.
All the best,
timo.
Benfotiamine is a useful supplement for the treatment of nerve damage and nerve pain
associated with neuropathy.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is also used to treat neuropathy, and has the added benefit of improving the cellular uptake of glucose (it makes insulin more potent).
I can personally recommend ginkgo biloba (leaf powder) for improving poor circulation to
the feet (and other peripheries). You should avoid the higher strength ginkgo extracts,
as these have side effects including an increased risk of stroke.
All the best,
timo.
Hello Anneflan,
Sorry to hear that your husband has developed neuropathy, unfortunately it is a complication that affects very many people with diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerve fibres most probably caused by high blood sugar levels over some years. People with type 2 diabetes can have this on diagnosis since often they have had high levels for some years before diagnosis.
If it is in its early stages symptoms may become less by improving control of glucose levels. It is certainly a sign that blood glucose control needs to be better. The exercise wxy mentions helps in doing this and is also beneficial for the circulation.
Because the nerve damage in this feet has resulted in numbness, there is an increased risk of foot problems. He may not recognise Injuries and sores on the feet due to lack of sensation. If he doesn't recognise a cut it may become infected without him realising.
He needs to examine his feet and legs daily , to apply cream or lotion if his feet are dry, to care for his nails regularly (chiropodist/podiatrist if necessary) and to wear properly fitting footwear and wear them all the time to prevent foot injury . He also needs to take care to check the temperature of his bath before getting in (he might not sense it if it is too hot)
I'm sorry hes reluctant to talk about it with you, he's lucky to have a wife that cares enough to find out about it.
Sorry to hear that your husband has developed neuropathy, unfortunately it is a complication that affects very many people with diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerve fibres most probably caused by high blood sugar levels over some years. People with type 2 diabetes can have this on diagnosis since often they have had high levels for some years before diagnosis.
If it is in its early stages symptoms may become less by improving control of glucose levels. It is certainly a sign that blood glucose control needs to be better. The exercise wxy mentions helps in doing this and is also beneficial for the circulation.
Because the nerve damage in this feet has resulted in numbness, there is an increased risk of foot problems. He may not recognise Injuries and sores on the feet due to lack of sensation. If he doesn't recognise a cut it may become infected without him realising.
He needs to examine his feet and legs daily , to apply cream or lotion if his feet are dry, to care for his nails regularly (chiropodist/podiatrist if necessary) and to wear properly fitting footwear and wear them all the time to prevent foot injury . He also needs to take care to check the temperature of his bath before getting in (he might not sense it if it is too hot)
I'm sorry hes reluctant to talk about it with you, he's lucky to have a wife that cares enough to find out about it.
