Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. Closely regulating blood glucose levels can help to slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy focusses on the proper treatment of diabetes, which include may include insulin therapy, oral hypoglycemic medications, weight loss for obesity, a diabetic diet, compression stockings for leg swelling, and ACE inhibitor medications.
Additional treatment for pain that occurs with diabetic neuropathy includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, narcotic pain medication, tricyclic antidepressant medications, and anticonvulsant medications.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy may include:
- Medication to control high blood sugar:
- Weight loss
- ACE inhibitor medications
- To control high blood pressure
- Can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death in people with diabetes
- Angiotensin receptor blockers
- To control high blood pressure
- Capsaicin patch or topical cream
Treatment for the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
- Narcotic pain medication
- Tricyclic antidepressants for diabetic neuropathy
- May help to control unpleasant symptoms
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- An anticonvulsant medication that can reduce pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and post herpetic neuralgia.
- Other seizure medications for diabetic neuropathy:
- Lidocaine patch
- Other interventions:
- Nerve blockade
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Medication pumps
- Pulse radio frequency
For more information:
Diabetic Retinopathy Questions For Doctor
The following are some important questions to ask before and after the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Questions to ask before treatment:
- What are my treatment options?
- Is surgery an option for me?
- What are the risks associated with treatment?
- Do I need to stay in the hospital?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What are the complications I should watch for?
- How long will I be on medication?
- What are the potential side effects of my medication?
- Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
- Should I take my medication with food?
Questions to ask after treatment:
- How do I change my diet?
- What is a diabetes diet?
- Do I need to lose weight?
- Are there any medications or supplements I should avoid?
- When can I resume my normal activities?
- When can I return to work?
- Do I need a special exercise program?
- What else can I do to reduce my risk for complications?
- How often will I need to see my doctor for checkups?
- What local support and other resources are available?
Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist
Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat diabetic retinopathy:
Continue to Diabetic Retinopathy Home Care
Last Updated: Jun 10, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: FreeMD - Your Virtual Doctor
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