Can a Low Carb Diet Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy?

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If you have diabetes, you already know that you have to watch your diet with what feel’s like the eyes of a hawk. Eat the wrong thing and your blood sugar can spike. Don’t eat enough and your sugar can plummet. It can be tricky knowing how to maintain a healthy diet that helps you manage your diabetes. Throw in diabetic neuropathy and your diet can become even more difficult to suss out.

The good news is this: If you suffer with diabetic neuropathy, a low-carb diet could be exactly what you need to take the pain away. The main contributing factor to neuropathy is high blood sugar levels. By keeping your levels even, you are less likely to experience pain and tingling in your lower extremities.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

When people with diabetes also suffer with neuropathy, it can take different forms. The most common type is peripheral neuropathy. This affects nerves and presents with numbness, tingling or burning in the feet, legs and hands. In other word, people with this type of neuropathy feel it in the limbs.

How a Low-Carb Diet Can Help You

Let’s take a look at how a low-carb diet could potentially ease your neuropathy. The evidence, thus far, is limited to anecdotal reports but there is nothing wrong with you trying a low-carb diet to see if it works for you. The lack of scientific research shouldn’t stop you as a low-carb diet can be beneficial for almost all diabetics.

According to what is scientifically known, a low-carb diet helps to reduce blood sugar levels. Because peripheral neuropathy is linked to high levels of blood sugar, it stands to reason that lowering your carbs and, in turn, your blood sugar, can help alleviate or prevent neuropaty. Some people have claimed that following a low-carb diet reversed their neuropathy altogether. It’s not an option that is guaranteed to work, but it is an option that may be effective for you.

As with any other change that could impact your diabetes, please speak with your medical provider before changing your diet. While it is typically safe to adjust your carbohydrate intake on your own, it is always a best practice to consult your doctor first. You may also choose to speak with a medical care provider about their thoughts on a low-carb diet and its association with reducing the instance of peripheral neuropathy.

If you would like to discuss your diabetic foot and leg pain and possible treatment options, call our office to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Elizabeth Auger is accepting new patients and would be happy to help you understand your peripheral neuropathy and your options for reducing the discomfort you feel. Call our office today or browse our website for more information about our team and practice.

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