Managing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Two Paths to Relief
Introduction
Living with type 2 diabetes can bring challenges like diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which causes tingling, burning, pain, numbness in your hands or feet, and balance problems that disrupt daily life. These symptoms stem from nerve damage due to high blood sugar and related issues like inflammation and poor circulation. The good news? You have two effective options to manage these symptoms and improve your comfort.
Option 1:
A 15-week in-office program combining Functional Medicine with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and Hako-Med therapy.
Option 2:
At-home therapy with the Hako-Med Regenerator, a physician-assisted device for convenient symptom management. Plus, our Virtual Doctor Service providing ongoing physician support for setup, usage adjustments, and symptom monitoring via telehealth.
If your goal is to reduce DPN symptoms and work toward reversing type 2 diabetes, Option 1 is your best path. However, if circumstances like a busy schedule or mobility issues prevent diet and lifestyle changes, Option 2 offers a convenient, drug-free, pain-free way to manage symptoms at home. Let’s explore both options to help you choose what’s right for you.
Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects up to half of people with type 2 diabetes, making it a common complication. It occurs when high blood sugar damages nerves, leading to symptoms such as:
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Tingling or burning in hands and feet
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Sharp or shooting pain
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Numbness or loss of sensation
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Balance problems, increasing fall risk
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Risk of foot ulcers or infections due to poor sensation and circulation
These symptoms can interfere with sleep, mobility, and quality of life. The root causes include chronic high blood sugar, inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced blood flow to nerves. Addressing these causes is essential to manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
What’s Included in Option 1
Functional Medicine: A personalized plan to address type 2 diabetes and DPN causes, including:
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Customized Nutrition: A low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet (e.g., Mediterranean or plant-based) to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation, guided by Dr. Gilliland.
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Supplements: Nutrients like alpha-lipoic acid, omega-3s, and B vitamins to combat oxidative stress, support nerve health, and improve insulin sensitivity.
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Lifestyle Coaching: Support for exercise, stress management, and sleep to enhance glucose control and reduce nerve-damaging inflammation.
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Metabolic Monitoring: Regular checks of blood sugar and HbA1c to track progress and refine your plan.
PEMF and Hako-Med Therapy: Two 1-hour sessions per week for 15 weeks, each consisting of either PEMF therapy, Hako-Med therapy, or a combination of both, tailored to your needs:
PEMF Therapy: Uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields to reduce neuropathic pain, improve circulation, support nerve regeneration, and reduce inflammation, with studies showing improved nerve function.
Hako-Med Therapy: Uses microcurrent electrical stimulation to ease pain, boost microcirculation, aid nerve repair, and promote wound healing, critical for preventing diabetic ulcers.
How It Works
Duration: 15 weeks, with two weekly 1-hour in-office visits, each including PEMF therapy, Hako-Med therapy, or both, based on your treatment plan.
Personalized Care: You’ll collaborate with a functional medicine practitioner, possibly alongside an endocrinologist or neurologist, to customize your program.
Progress Tracking: Regular evaluations of symptoms (e.g., pain, balance) and metabolic markers (e.g., HbA1c, lipids) to ensure improvement.
Education and Support: Weekly coaching to equip you with knowledge about diet, exercise, and stress management.
Benefits
Symptom Relief: Reduces tingling, pain, burning, numbness, and balance issues through combined therapies. Research suggests PEMF and electrical stimulation can significantly lower pain scores.
Diabetes Reversal Potential: Addresses insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, potentially achieving diabetes remission (normal blood sugar without medication) in early cases. Studies show 26–50% of patients reach remission with intensive lifestyle changes.
Holistic Approach: Targets multiple DPN causes (e.g., poor circulation, inflammation) for sustainable results.
Enhanced Overall Health: Boosts energy, mobility, and quality of life through weight loss, better sleep, and reduced stress.
Who It’s For
This option is best for those who:
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Want to reverse type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.
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Can commit to two weekly in-office visits for 15 weeks.
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Are ready to adopt diet and lifestyle changes with professional guidance.
Considerations
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Requires time and commitment for in-office visits and lifestyle changes.
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Not covered by insurance, so costs are out-of-pocket. Financing is available through third party partners. We also offer in-house financing.
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Best for those in early to moderate stages of type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
What’s Included in Option 2
Hako-Med Regenerator Device: A portable, FDA-cleared device for home use, prescribed and monitored by your healthcare provider.
Virtual Doctor Service: Free for the first 30 days, then $35 per call, providing ongoing physician support for setup, usage adjustments, and symptom monitoring via telehealth (telephone, FaceTime, text, etc).
Pre-Set Sessions: 30-minute sessions, pre-programmed for DPN symptom relief, recommended for use twice daily (morning and evening).
Therapeutic Benefits:
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Reduces pain, tingling, burning, and numbness by modulating nerve signals, similar to in-office Hako-Med therapy.
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Enhances microcirculation, improving blood flow to support nerve repair and reduce numbness.
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Promotes wound healing, helping prevent or manage diabetic foot ulcers, a key concern for DPN.
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Improves balance by supporting nerve function, reducing fall risk.
How It Works
Setup: Your doctor provides the device, trains you on its use, and customizes settings for your symptoms (e.g., pain, numbness).
Daily Use: Apply electrodes to affected areas (e.g., feet or hands) for two 30-minute sessions daily, as prescribed.
Monitoring: Virtual Doctor Service check-ins (free for 30 days, then $35/call) to assess symptom improvement and adjust treatment.
Maintenance: Reusable device with replaceable electrodes, offering a long-term solution.
Benefits
Convenience: Use at home, fitting seamlessly into your routine with two 30-minute sessions daily.
Drug-Free and Pain-Free: Avoids medication side effects (e.g., drowsiness) while effectively reducing symptoms. Studies show electrical stimulation significantly lowers pain.
Improved Circulation and Healing: Boosts blood flow, reducing numbness and aiding wound healing to help prevent ulcers and amputations.
Balance Improvement: Enhances nerve function, improving stability and safety.
Physician Support: Virtual Doctor Service ensures ongoing guidance, with free calls for the first 30 days.
Cost-Effective Long-Term: One-time device purchase with affordable telehealth support, potentially more economical than in-office treatments.
Who It’s For
This option is best for those who:
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Cannot commit to in-office visits or extensive lifestyle changes.
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Prefer a home-based, convenient solution for symptom management.
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Seek a non-invasive, drug-free approach to reduce pain, tingling, and numbness.
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Need to address DPN complications like poor wound healing or balance issues.
Considerations
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Does not address type 2 diabetes root causes (e.g., insulin resistance), so it’s unlikely to lead to diabetes reversal.
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Not covered by insurance, requiring out-of-pocket costs for the device and Virtual Doctor Service ($35/call after 30 days). Financing is available through third party partners. We also offer in-house financing.
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Requires initial physician consultation and periodic virtual follow-ups.
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Focuses on symptom relief rather than comprehensive health improvement.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Choose Option 1 (15-Week In-Office Program) if:
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You aim to reduce DPN symptoms and work toward reversing type 2 diabetes.
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You’re ready for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes with professional support.
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You can commit to two weekly in-office visits for 15 weeks, each including PEMF, Hako-Med, or both.
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You want a holistic approach addressing insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Choose Option 2 (Hako-Med Regenerator Home Therapy) if:
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Circumstances (e.g., time, mobility) prevent lifestyle changes or frequent office visits.
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You want a convenient, drug-free, pain-free way to manage DPN symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and balance issues.
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You need improved circulation and wound healing without medications.
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You value home-based therapy with Virtual Doctor Service support (free for 30 days, then $35/call).
Why Act Now?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can worsen, increasing risks of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. Early action can reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent complications. Whether you choose the in-office program or the Hako-Med Regenerator, starting now can enhance your comfort and quality of life.
Next Steps
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Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss these options with your doctor, endocrinologist, or neurologist to find the best fit for your needs.
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Understand Costs: Note that neither Option 1 nor Option 2 is covered by insurance, so plan for out-of-pocket expenses. Regenerative Therapy does offer financing.
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Schedule a Functional Medicine Evaluation: For Option 1, contact us at (352) 268-0199 to begin your personalized plan.
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Inquire About the Hako-Med Regenerator: For Option 2, call Dr. Gilliland at (352) 268-0199 and ask about obtaining the device, setting up twice-daily 30-minute sessions, and accessing the Virtual Doctor Service.
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Join a Support Group: Connect with others managing type 2 diabetes and DPN through resources like the American Diabetes Association for support and tips.
Conclusion
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy doesn’t have to control your life. Our 15-week in-office program combines functional medicine with PEMF and/or Hako-Med therapy to reduce symptoms and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes by addressing its root causes. If that’s not feasible, the Hako-Med Regenerator offers a convenient, drug-free way to manage symptoms at home with two 30-minute sessions daily, supported by our Virtual Doctor Service (free for 30 days, then $35/call). Talk to your healthcare provider today to choose your path to relief and take control of your health.
Disclaimer: Results vary based on individual health conditions.
References:
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023; doi:10.2337/dc23-S012.
Non-invasive neuromodulation effects on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-75922-9.
Assessing the Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Painful Diabetic Distal Symmetric Peripheral Neuropathy. SAGE Journals. 2023; doi:10.1177/19322968221139776.
Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Treatments for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal. 2023; doi:10.4093/dmj.2023.0010.
Regenerative Therapy of Lady Lake
510 CR 466, Suite 201-G, Lady Lake, FL 32159
(352) 268-0199