Diabetes
Diabetes and Nerve Problems: Why Feet Matter and Where Supplements Fit
NINDS says diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S., and NIDDK says nerve damage can hide cuts and blisters on the feet. Supplements may sit beside a medical plan, never in place of one.
Written by the Flow Nerves label deskUpdated
How common01
How common are nerve problems with diabetes?
Common. NINDS says about two thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve problems, while NIDDK puts peripheral neuropathy at one third to one half.
The two sources count differently, so both numbers are given. NINDS names diabetes the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States and says nerve problems include numb, tingling or burning feet 1. NIDDK says symptoms range from pain and numbness in the feet to problems with internal organs, and different types of nerve damage cause different symptoms 2. What both agree on is that it is common, and worth asking about.
Foot care02
Why do feet need checking every day?
Because nerve damage can stop you feeling a pebble, a blister or a cut, and unfelt cuts can become sores and infections.
NIDDK says nerve damage can make you lose feeling in your feet, so you may not feel a pebble in a sock or a blister, and poor blood flow makes sores heal slowly. It advises caring for your feet every day 3. The NHS lists a foot cut or ulcer that is not healing among the early signs to see a doctor about 4.
Look
Check the tops, soles and between the toes, with a mirror if needed.
Wash and dry
Dry well between the toes.
Protect
Wear socks and shoes that fit, and never walk barefoot.
Call
Tell your clinician about any sore, blister or color change.
Supplements03
Where do supplements fit with diabetes?
Beside a plan your clinician sets, and only after a pharmacist has checked them against your medicines.
The ingredient most tied to diabetes in this capsule is alpha lipoic acid. MSK says it lowers blood sugar and to talk with your provider if you take drugs that lower blood sugar 5. A Cochrane review of oral trials in diabetic neuropathy found probably little or no effect on symptoms at six months 6. See the alpha lipoic acid page.
Questions04
What should you ask your diabetes team?
| Question | Why |
|---|---|
| Can you check my feet today? | Nerve damage can be silent. |
| Is my vitamin B12 level okay? | Metformin can lower B12 absorption 7. |
| Is this supplement safe with my diabetes medicine? | Alpha lipoic acid can lower blood sugar 5. |
| What should I do if my sugar drops? | Shaky, sweaty, confused or faint is an emergency. |
| Do my other medicines matter with it? | Blood thinners and others interact with several names. |
Keep doing05
What should you keep doing?
- Keep taking prescribed diabetes medicine exactly as directed.
- Keep your appointments, blood tests and foot checks.
- Tell the team about every supplement you take.
- Do not use a supplement as a reason to change a medicine.
A supplement is not a diabetes treatment, and nothing on this site says it is.
Flow Nerves: 30 capsules a bottle1 capsule a day with a meal · from $49 a bottle · 60-day guarantee (confirm)
See packsBy ingredient06
Which diabetes questions touch the capsule's ingredients?
| Ingredient | Diabetes angle |
|---|---|
| Alpha lipoic acid | Lowers blood sugar; ask first if you take diabetes medicine |
| Magnesium glycinate | A review links low magnesium with diabetic neuropathy; trials conflict |
| Coenzyme Q10 | One trial in painful diabetic neuropathy, added to pregabalin |
| L-carnitine | Nerve trials used acetyl-L-carnitine, very uncertain |
| Turmeric extract | Not enough known; liver and bleeding cautions |
| Butcher's broom | Leg-vein research, not diabetes nerve research |
Low sugar07
What are the signs of low blood sugar?
Shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, hunger or faintness.
If you take diabetes medicine, a drop in blood sugar can be dangerous, and a supplement that lowers blood sugar can add to the effect. If you feel these signs, treat it the way your diabetes team taught you, and call 911 if it is severe or you cannot treat it. Tell your team about any supplement you take. The aim is to make sure someone who knows your medicines has the full list.
Kidneys08
What about kidneys and other diabetes complications?
Diabetes can affect kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves together, which is why medicine lists matter.
Some of the six names in Flow Nerves have kidney-related cautions. NIH says high amounts of carnitine can cause muscle weakness in people with chronic kidney disease 8, and MSK says magnesium supplements should be avoided in people with kidney disorders unless a doctor says otherwise 9. If you have diabetes and any kidney problem, a pharmacist can check the whole list. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine, and tell the team about any supplement.
FAQ09
Flow Nerves questions people ask
Does Flow Nerves help diabetic neuropathy?
It is not a treatment for any disease, and we found no study of the product. The research on single ingredients is mostly in diabetes and is mixed.
Can I take Flow Nerves if I have diabetes?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Alpha lipoic acid can lower blood sugar, and you should keep taking prescribed medicine.
What is the best supplement for diabetic neuropathy?
We do not rank supplements. Your clinician can suggest what fits your situation and your medicines.
Can alpha lipoic acid lower blood sugar?
MSK says it does. Talk with your provider if you take drugs that lower blood sugar.
How do I check my feet if I cannot feel them?
Look with your eyes, every day, with a mirror or a helper, and report any sore to a clinician.
Does diabetes always cause nerve damage?
No. NINDS says about two thirds have some nerve problems and NIDDK puts peripheral neuropathy at one third to one half. Many people do not.
Who wrote this10
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the brand files and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a USA Authorized Flow Nerves Retailer. It is not the manufacturer. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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