That’s a heartbreaking situation, and unfortunately, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most difficult complications of long-term, poorly controlled diabetes — especially when it leads to severe numbness, pain, and loss of mobility.
You're right: there’s no guaranteed way to reverse nerve damage once it’s severe, but there are things that can help reduce symptoms, slow progression, and sometimes restore some function — even if just partially. Here's a comprehensive response with options worth discussing with her doctor.
🔹 1. Addressing the Root Cause: Blood Sugar Control
Even though she's insulin sensitive and had trouble maintaining stable levels, tight glycemic control is the #1 step to slowing further nerve damage. This must be handled carefully to avoid dangerous lows, but some options include:
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): Helps track rapid changes and avoid dangerous dips.
Low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet or ketogenic diets: These may stabilize blood sugars and reduce insulin demand. However, needs to be guided by a specialist.
GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors may help with glucose regulation and weight control, and some show nerve-protective effects (e.g. semaglutide, empagliflozin).
🔹 2. Medications for Neuropathy Symptoms
Though they won’t reverse numbness, they may improve nerve signaling and reduce pain, burning, or tingling:
Pregabalin (Lyrica) or Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) – an antidepressant also FDA-approved for diabetic neuropathy
Amitriptyline – an older tricyclic antidepressant with nerve pain benefits
Topical Capsaicin Cream – may help some patients with superficial burning/numbness
Note: None of these restore nerve function — they modulate the brain’s perception of nerve signals, which may help her sleep or move better.
🔹 3. Nutritional & Supplement Support
Some vitamins and supplements may help slow progression or modestly regenerate nerve function:
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – antioxidant shown to reduce symptoms in diabetic neuropathy (start with 600mg/day)
Benfotiamine (a form of Vitamin B1) – supports nerve health and may slow progression
Vitamin B12 (especially if on metformin) – deficiency can worsen neuropathy; consider injections or sublingual methylcobalamin
Acetyl-L-Carnitine – shown in some studies to support nerve regeneration and reduce pain
⚠ Always confirm with her doctor before starting these — especially with diabetes, kidney issues, or multiple medications.
🔹 4. Alternative & Physical Therapies
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): May offer pain relief by stimulating nerve endings
Infrared Light Therapy: Some evidence suggests it improves circulation and may reduce numbness
Physical therapy: Even limited mobility exercises can maintain circulation and prevent further decline
Acupuncture: Some patients report relief with regular sessions
🔹 5. Experimental or Newer Therapies
These are less accessible but worth discussing with a specialist:
Stem cell therapy: Early trials show promise but are not yet standard
Nerve decompression surgery: Controversial but may help some cases of focal nerve compression
Spinal cord stimulation: For severe pain cases not responding to medication
💬 Final Encouragement
Tell her she’s not alone. Neuropathy can feel isolating and hopeless, but many find partial relief and improved quality of life with a multi-pronged approach.
Encourage her to:
See an endocrinologist + neurologist
Ask about a pain management referral
Join a support group (in-person or online) — this helps emotionally and gives practical tips
If you're helping her navigate this, you’re already doing something incredibly important. She might feel alone — but with consistent support and tailored treatment, many patients see improvements or at least stabilization.
I didn't had knowledge to answer that in better way, so I took help of AI. I wish she get better soon. 🙏
