There are no specific treatments for nerve damage, but lowering hyperglycemia (persistently high blood glucose concentrations) reduces the risk of diabetic neuropathy.[1][2][3] Therefore, the main treatment is to improve blood glucose control using lifestyle behavior change (diet, exercise, and weight management counseling) and glucose-lowering drugs.[4][5]
Since diabetic neuropathies can impair sensation, healthcare providers regularly examine patients’ feet for signs of damage to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. To treat pain associated with diabetic neuropathies, pain-reducing medications (e.g., pregabalin or duloxetine) are used to improve quality of life.[6][7] Reducing pain also helps patients increase their levels of daily physical activity, which improves blood glucose control.[8]