Scientists are not sure exactly what causes diabetic neuropathy. One thought is that high blood sugar levels and glucose damage the capillaries that supply oxygen and nutrients to nerve fibers.

Paradoxically, medications often prescribed to manage diabetes can worsen neuropathy due to drug-induced nutrient depletion (DIND). This extends beyond diabetes medications to include those prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) database show that 73.6% of individuals with diabetes aged 18 years or older also have hypertension.

 

Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that typically affects the feet and legs and sometimes affects the hands and arms. This type of neuropathy is unfortunately very common. About one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy.

It’s important to understand that diabetic neuropathy is more than just uncomfortable for your patients. It can reduce their quality of life, lead them to become more sedentary and result in serious complications.

Common symptoms of neuropathy may include:

  • Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
  • Tingling or burning feeling
  • Sharp pains or cramps
  • Muscle weakness
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch—for some people, even a bedsheet’s weight can be painful
  • Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, or bone and joint damage
 
    B vitamins can prevent peripheral neuropathy
    Image Source: Baltrusch S. The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:9968228.

     

     

    Neuropathy Associated with Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion

    Some of the most popular drugs used for high blood pressure and diabetes treatment can deplete important nutrients the body needs to help rebuild nerve tissue. These drugs and the resultant DIND can exacerbate neuropathy.

     

    Common Diabetes Medications

    • Biguanides (metformin): Deplete folic acid and vitamin B12, which are needed for nerve cell formation
    • Sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide and glimepiride): Deplete coenzyme Q10, which is needed for nerve function

     

    Common High Blood Pressure Medications

    • ACE inhibitors (lisinopril): Deplete zinc, which is needed for nerve cell formation, can increase blood flow to nerve cells and help block nerve pain
    • Diuretics (furosemide): Deplete magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins B1 and B6, all of which can help with nerve cell production or proper nerve transmission
    • Statin drugs (atorvastatin): Deplete coenzyme Q10, which is needed for nerve function

     

    Nutrients That Support Nerve Health

    Keeping the above list in mind, you can use the following nutrients to help prevent or reverse DIND and support healthy nerve function:

    • B-complex vitamins (once daily)
    • Coenzyme Q10 (100-300 mg daily)
    • Multivitamin (twice daily)
      • Will replace B vitamins and other vital minerals
      • Use professional-grade multivitamins for greater efficacy
    • EPA/DHA fish oil (minimum 600-800 mg of active ingredients per capsule)
      • Essential building blocks for certain nerve cells
    • Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) (600 mg capsule twice daily)
      • Studies show ALA helps to rebuild parts of nerve cells and lessens pain and numbness

    I recommend patients follow the above regimen for at least six months because nerve tissue is slow to respond.

     

    Lifestyle Choices That Support Nerve Health

    The following lifestyle modifications may be more challenging than following a supplement regimen, but working to achieve them will support your patients’ nerve health and improve their quality of life.

    • Eat a modified Mediterranean diet that is high in vegetables and contains a moderate amount of lean meats
    • Exercise three to five times per week
    • Quit smoking
    • Minimize alcohol intake
    • Maintain a healthy body weight

     

    The Bottom Line

    Be aware that many of the top 200 drugs can deplete the body’s essential nutrients. When reviewing a patient’s list of medications, consider how new or worsening symptoms may be due in part to DIND. And as always, good luck through good nutrition!

     

     

     

    Jeff Robins, RPh has been a compounding pharmacist for 25 years and likes to speak of himself as the pharmacist who dislikes drugs. Jeff owned the remarkably successful Essential Wellness Pharmacy where he grew the annual sales of supplements to over $1.1 million. Jeff is an Advanced Fellow with the American College of Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine through the University of Southern Florida, and he is the owner of Summit Functional Consulting. He is passionate about educating people and giving them a chance to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare.

     

     

     

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