Is diabetic foot numbness reversible?

Numb Diabetic Feet: We have found in our podiatry clinic that there is a lot of variability in levels of severity of diabetic neuropathy and symptoms also vary but mostly early symptoms of numbness, stabbing, burning, tingling and electric shocks that are recurrent when resting seem to be correlating with fasting blood sugar levels. Symptoms are less when patients have good sugar control; you should strive for this.

Tough question...: Some medications like metanax have been shown to improve epidermal nerve fiber density. This could help reverse the process, but it's a slow process, so be patient... Also, sorry but it doesn't work for everybody in the same way.

Usually not: However, I have some patients that control their blood sugar, loose weight, take medication for neuropathy and do get some improvement. Good luck.

Blood sugar control: It all comes down to excellent blood sugar control. Without good control, the answer is No, it is not reversible.

Varies: The most common cause of numbness in the foot of a patient with diabetes is a condition known as neuropathy, although there are other potential causes as well. Treatment of a neuropathy includes glucose and diet control, and the use of medications such as lyrica (pregabalin). A detailed exam should also be done to rule out vascular disease as well.

Best Answer-No.: There is conflicting data. Some may say that early detection and treatment of diabetes may allow neuropathy to reverse. But there is convincing evidence that longstanding diabetes with chronic neuropathy is not reversible. Clearly the best treatment for neuropathy is detecting and controlling diabetes early.

Perhaps: The FDA has approved a medical food, MetanX for treatment of small fiber neuropathy in diabetes. Biopsy data has shown some improvement in nerve density and decrease in symptoms over a 10-12 month period. In spite of 2 supporting studies, there still remains significant skepticism by doctors for biologically active B vitamins. Control of diabetes should be primary focus.