CASE STUDY | TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS & DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

An Integrative Naturopathy-Based Supportive Approach

Shri Sivalaya Holistic Natural Healing Hospital

A male patient with approximately 35 years of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus presented with bilateral lower-limb prickling and tingling sensations.

Clinical Profile

• Height: 176 cm
• Weight: 87.2 kg
• BMI: 28.2 kg/m²
• Pulse: 79/min
• Blood Pressure: 133/73 mmHg
• SpO₂: 98%
• Diabetes duration: ~ 35 years
• Non-smoker and non-alcoholic
• No significant family history reported

Investigations

• HbA1c: 7.7%
• Triglycerides: 251 mg/dL
• Total Cholesterol: 133 mg/dL
• LDL-C: 44.8 mg/dL
• HDL-C: 38 mg/dL

The elevated HbA1c indicated suboptimal glycaemic control, while the lipid profile demonstrated hypertriglyceridaemia with low HDL-C.

Considering the long duration of diabetes and the presence of bilateral distal sensory symptoms, the clinical presentation was suggestive of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the common complications of long-standing diabetes, resulting from progressive damage to peripheral nerves associated with chronic metabolic abnormalities.

It commonly affects the feet and lower limbs and may present with:

• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Burning or prickling sensations
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Neuropathic pain
• Balance problems or gait disturbance

Loss of protective sensation can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, foot ulcers and infection. Therefore, regular neurological and diabetic foot assessment is an important part of comprehensive diabetes care.

Integrative Naturopathy Management

The patient was provided with an individualized lifestyle-based programme focusing on:

Therapeutic Nutrition :

Dietary modification aimed at supporting glycaemic control, healthy body weight and cardiometabolic health.

Physical Activity :

Appropriately prescribed movement and exercise to support metabolic health, physical function and mobility.

Yoga & Relaxation :

Yoga, breathing and relaxation practices incorporated to support physical activity, stress regulation and overall well-being.

Supportive Hydrotherapy :

Hydrotherapy-based modalities used as supportive care, with appropriate precautions considering altered sensation associated with neuropathy.

Sleep & Stress Management :

Lifestyle strategies aimed at optimizing sleep, stress management and daily routines.

Foot-Care Education:

Emphasis on daily foot inspection, appropriate footwear and early reporting of wounds, redness, swelling or other changes.

Regular Monitoring:

Continued monitoring of blood glucose and relevant metabolic parameters to assess progress and guide individualized care.

Role of Naturopathy in Diabetic Neuropathy

Naturopathy can have a supportive and integrative role, particularly through lifestyle interventions addressing nutrition, physical activity, weight management, stress and sleep.

These interventions may help improve overall metabolic health, physical function and quality of life and can complement standard medical management.

However, naturopathy should not be presented as a replacement for evidence-based diabetes treatment or established management of neuropathic pain. Optimizing glycaemic and cardiovascular risk factors, appropriate symptom management and prevention of diabetic foot complications remain central to care.

A comprehensive approach addressing nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, metabolic health and foot care can provide valuable supportive care for people living with diabetes and its complications.

At Shri Sivalaya, our approach focuses on individualized, holistic care while working alongside appropriate medical management to support long-term health and well-being.

This case study is presented for educational purposes. Clinical findings and treatment outcomes should be interpreted in the context of individualized assessment and appropriate conventional medical care.