Diabetic Neuropathy and Sleep
If you have diabetes, your body isn’t able to use sugar properly. This leads to high levels of sugar in your blood, which can damage nerves. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can happen with diabetes. It most often affects the feet and legs, but can also affect the hands, arms, and other parts of the body. People with diabetes are more likely to have sleep problems like sleep apnea. This is when you stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Diabetes care can help lower your risk for diabetic neuropathy and other complications.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough insulin (this is called insulin resistance). When there isn’t enough or the cells don’t respond properly to insulin, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood instead of being used by cells for energy This condition is called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. Untreated high blood sugar can cause serious health problems over time including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation (nerve damage from high blood sugar is called diabetic neuropathy).
Diabetes can affect your mental health too. People with diabetes are more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Depression can make it harder to manage your diabetes.
COVID-19 has made it even harder for people with diabetes to stay healthy . Medical appointments have been cancelled or postponed , making it harder to get the care you need . There has been an increase in anxiety and stress due to job loss , social isolation , and worry about getting sick . All of these things can impact how well you take care of your health . It’s important to find ways to cope with stress that work for you . Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling and if you need any extra support .
If you have any type of diabetes , it’s important that you see your doctor regularly . Women’s health issues like gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life . If you’re pregnant , talk to your doctor about how best to manage your blood sugar levels during pregnancy Since having high blood pressure or cholesterol puts you at greater risk for heart disease , patients with these conditions should be extra vigilant about managing their glucose levels as well as their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers according Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers MD on April 16 2020 – Written by Cerner Multum
Prescription Medications for Diabetic Neuropathy
If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, you know how debilitating the condition can be. There are a variety of medications available that can help relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with this condition. Here is a look at some of the best prescription medications for treating diabetic neuropathy.
Before starting any medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications or health conditions you may have. It is also important to get medical advice before taking any medication for an extended period of time, as some medications may have long-term side effects.
1. Gabapentin: This medication is commonly used to treat seizures, but it can also be effective in relieving pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin works by reducing the number of pain signals that are sent to the brain. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and headache.
2. Amitriptyline: This tricyclic antidepressant has been shown to be effective in treating various types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain. Amitriptyline works by blocking certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for pain signals. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain.
3 . Duloxetine: This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but it can also be effective in treating neuropathic pain . Duloxetine works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain , which helps to increase levels of this neurotransmitter . Common side effects include nausea , dry mouth , and fatigue . SSRIs can also cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect . 4 Tramadol : This opioid analgesic medication is typically used for moderate to severe pain relief . Tramadol works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain , which helps to decrease the perception of pain . Common side effects include nausea , vomiting , constipation , and dizziness . Opioid analgesics carry a risk of addiction and should only be used under close medical supervision . 5 Pregabalin : This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-epileptics , but it has also been shown to be effective in treating neuropathic pain . Pregabalin works by inhibiting calcium channels that are involved in transmitting nerve signals responsible for pain perception . Common side effects include dizziness , drowsiness , headache , and weight gain .”
Over-the-Counter Medications for Diabetic Neuropathy
There are a few different types of over-the-counter medications that can help with diabetic neuropathy and blood glucose levels.
If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood glucose levels in check. This can be done through medication, diet, and exercise. Sometimes, people with diabetes need to take insulin to control their blood sugar levels.
There are a few different types of over-the-counter medications that can help with diabetic neuropathy. These include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.
If you are experiencing pain from diabetic neuropathy, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully. If you take too much of these medications, they can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or diclofenac may also help reduce pain and swelling from diabetic neuropathy. As with pain relievers, be sure to follow the directions on the package and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or desipramine may also be helpful for treating diabetic neuropathy. These drugs work by blocking nerve signals that send pain messages to the brain. As with any medication, there are potential side effects and risks involved so be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new medication regimen
Natural Remedies for Diabetic Neuropathy
If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, you know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. But what are the best sleeping pills for diabetics?
There are many different sleeping pills on the market, but not all of them are safe for diabetics. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any sleeping pill, natural or otherwise.
Some natural remedies for diabetic neuropathy include:
1. Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has calming properties that can help you drift off to sleep.
2. Valerian root: Valerian root is a popular herbal remedy for insomnia. It can be found in capsule form or as a tea.
3. Lemon balm: Lemon balm is another herb with calming effects. It can be taken as a tea or in capsules.
4. Magnolia bark: Magnolia bark extract is sometimes used as an ingredient in sleep aids because of its sedative effects.