Treating Diabetic Nerve Damage: Schwann Cells and Home-Based Solutions

Treating Diabetic Nerve Damage: Schwann Cells and Home-Based Solutions

In the complex world of diabetes, one of its most debilitating complications is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). Characterized by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, DPN affects a significant number of people living with diabetes [1]. Recent research has shed light on the role of high blood sugar in damaging Schwann cells, specialized glial cells that support and aid in nerve repair in the peripheral nervous system [1][2].

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, has been found to cause direct injury to Schwann cells through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis, which are key drivers of DPN [1]. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that chronic exposure to elevated glucose levels leads to reduced cell viability, increased apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells [1]. This impairment in cell health and function results in diminished nerve repair capacity, further exacerbating symptoms of neuropathy.

Adipo-glial interactions—where adipocytes influence Schwann cell mitochondrial metabolism—suggest that metabolic disturbances in diabetes may disrupt the supportive environment Schwann cells provide for axon survival and regeneration [5].

New insights into the pathology of DPN reveal unique structural changes in the sensory ganglia of people with diabetic neuropathy. A recent study uncovered the presence of Nageotte nodules—clusters of satellite glia and non-myelinating Schwann cells intertwined with sprouting, pain-sensing nerve fibers [3]. This "multipolar" axonal sprouting from sensory neuron cell bodies is a novel observation and may underlie the spontaneous pain experienced in DPN. The activity of these abnormal fibers could be a direct contributor to neuropathic pain in diabetes [3].

Preclinical studies have shown promising results in the protection against DPN. For instance, the Tang Bi formula (TBF) was shown to activate the AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2 pathway, which is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function [1]. TBF intervention improved metrics such as nerve conduction velocity, blood flow, and reduced apoptosis in Schwann cells exposed to high glucose, suggesting that targeting mitochondrial health in Schwann cells could be a viable therapeutic strategy [1].

Systematic reviews confirm that even prediabetic levels of elevated blood glucose are associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, underscoring the importance of glucose control early in the disease process [2][4].

In light of these findings, a holistic approach to managing DPN includes blood sugar control, dietary adjustments, physical activity, stress relief techniques, and incorporating natural remedies like vitamins B and D [6]. Additionally, a high-protein diet can enhance satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support neurotransmitter function, which can impact mood and cognitive function [7]. Proteins provide amino acids necessary for synthesizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is important for mood regulation and overall mental well-being [7].

Here are some examples of different meats and their protein content per typical serving size: Chicken Breast (cooked): 3 ounces = 26 grams of protein, Turkey (light meat): 3 ounces = 25 grams of protein, Ground Beef (lean): 3 ounces = 21 grams of protein, Pork (ground): 3 ounces = 22 grams of protein, Salmon (Atlantic): 3 ounces = 22 grams of protein, Tuna (canned, light): 3 ounces = 17 grams of protein [8]. Dr. Joe Mercola recommends aiming for 0.8 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight from high-quality sources such as grass-fed meats, eggs, legumes, and dairy products [9].

References:

[1] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). High Glucose Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Schwann Cells via the ROS/JNK/p53 Signaling Pathway. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2021, 1-13. [2] Kostis, J. B., et al. (2019). Hyperglycemia and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Pathogenesis and Treatment. Diabetes Care, 42(6), 919-932. [3] Peng, J., et al. (2021). Abnormal Axonal Sprouting in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Novel Pain Mechanism. Journal of Neuroscience, 41(1), 126-137. [4] Zhang, Y., et al. (2019). Prediabetes and Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diabetes Care, 42(1), 104-110. [5] Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). Metabolic Disturbances and Adipo-glial Interactions in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2020, 1-13. [6] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Management. Accessed from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy/management [7] Mercola, J. (2020). How to Calculate Your Daily Protein Needs. Accessed from https://www.mercola.com/articles/protein/protein-needs.aspx [8] United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). FoodData Central. Accessed from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171994/nutrients [9] Mercola, J. (2020). How Much Protein Should You Eat Each Day? Accessed from https://www.mercola.com/articles/protein/how-much-protein-should-you-eat.aspx

1. In the realm of health and wellness, the management of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) should include topon illness control, dietary adjustments, regular exercise, stress relief techniques, and natural remedies such as vitamins B and D.
2. Chronic exposure to elevated glucose levels can lead to medical-conditions like DPN by causing direct injury to Schwann cells through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis.
3. Therapies and treatments for DPN are being explored, including the utilization of drugs like the Tang Bi formula (TBF), which has shown promise in activating pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function.
4. To support neurotransmitter function, which can impact mood and cognitive function, it might be beneficial to incorporate a high-protein diet that includes foods such as chicken breast, turkey, ground beef, pork, salmon, and tuna.
5. Recent research has delved into the intricate link between chronic diseases like diabetes and skin-care problems, with findings suggesting that proper nutrition, especially in terms of protein intake, could play a significant role in maintaining healthy skin.

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