Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes, marked by tingling, numbness, or burning in the feet and hands. If left untreated, though, it can lead to serious pain, loss of coordination, and, in extreme cases, risk of amputation. Symptoms can be addressed temporarily with traditional treatments such as pain medications, glucose control, and lifestyle changes. However, regenerative medicine in Michigan takes things one step further to reverse or repair the underlying nerve damage.
Below are key regenerative approaches that are showing real promise in restoring nerve function, easing pain, and helping people with diabetic neuropathy regain daily comfort.
Diabetic Neuropathy: Defined
Up to 50 percent of people with diabetes suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which affects primarily the feet, legs, and hands. More than 30 percent of people with diabetes suffer from autonomic neuropathy, affecting involuntary body processes such as bladder, blood pressure, and heart.
Diabetic neuropathy damages nerves in a variety of ways, from oxidative stress and inflammation to reduced blood flow. That’s why effective regenerative medicine strategies have to go beyond masking pain to promote nerve repair, restore blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Regenerative Medicine Approaches That Help Restore Nerve Function
From stem cell therapy to platelet-rich (PRP) therapy, there are a few promising regenerative therapies out there to address diabetic neuropathy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy uses your own stem cells, harvested from bone marrow, and re-injects them into the site of injury to:
- Recalibrate inflammation on a cellular level
- Replace damaged cells
- Restore cartilage or tendon makeup
- Promote local blood vessel formation
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being embraced as an emerging regenerative therapy for diabetic neuropathy due to their multipotency, secreting nerve-supporting and blood vessel-forming factors, according to the NIH. As such, stem cells may reduce local inflammation and oxidative stress, while promoting the repair of damaged nerve fibers to restore sensation and alleviate pain.
Platelet-Rich (PRP) Therapy
PRP, created by concentrating platelets and growth factors from your own blood, contains a healing mix of bioactive proteins and signaling molecules that not only promote healing and reduce inflammation but stimulate cell regeneration as well.
PRP is injected at the site of damaged nerves, helping to:
- Reduce local inflammation.
- Stimulate the regeneration of nerve fibers
- Improve blood flow
- Decrease pain and sensitivity
Studies show that PRP therapy may improve tingling, burning, and numbness associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Lifestyle Support
Regenerative therapy has a much better chance of success when used in conjunction with supporting elements such as:
- Glucose management in diabetics to prevent further nerve damage.
- Diets rich in anti‐inflammatory foods, such as B‑vitamins and antioxidants.
- Regular exercise to enhance circulation.
- Management of metabolic or hormonal imbalances that can lead to inflammation.
While regenerative medicine isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution that exists in isolation, it does offer promising improvements in many patients.
You don’t have to live with the devastating effects of diabetic neuropathy. Turn to regenerative medicine to address the underlying damage, not just symptoms.
Contact the Regenerative Medicine Institute
Our pain specialists in Sterling Heights can help manage your diabetic neuropathy with cutting-edge regenerative medicine techniques. Contact us today at (248) 771-1300 for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.
By Regenerative Medicine Institute of Michigan
Board-certified Doctors – Aaron Greenberg, DO and Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MD