Since there are many different types of diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain and damage associated with diabetes), it makes sense that there's no one-size-fits all method of treatment. Pain in your foot may be handled differently from stomach discomfort or bowel problems. The good news is that there are treatments and steps you can take at home to relieve some of the symptoms you're experiencing and prevent further problems.

Oral medications are often the first line of defense for diabetic neuropathy. Doctors may prescribe opioids or similar drugs, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen do not generally work well and may cause side effects. Below, specific diabetes-related problems and how you can treat them on your own:

Foot damage. Foot care is a huge issue for diabetics. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than half of all lower-limb amputations in this country occur in people with diabetes, to the tune of 86,000 amputations per year. This is because the nerves that reach to the feet are the body's longest and are at greatest risk of damage. As a result, sores and other problems may occur. To treat your feet and prevent further problems, doctors recommend washing your feet every day in warm water and a mild soap. Dry them carefully and inspect them for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or other issues. (Since nerve damage can cause numbness, foot problems may not be felt.) Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if you can't turn them soles up. And make sure your socks and shoes don't have any sharp objects or tears before you slip them on.

For foot pain, you can apply capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches directly to your skin. Nitrate sprays may also help, as can the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid and evening primrose oil.

Urinary problems. Diabetic nerve damage can affect the urogenital system. The bladder may not empty completely, which can cause urinary tract and kidney infections, or there may be episodes of incontinence as nerve damage makes it difficult to tell when the bladder is full. Antibiotics should help clear up infections, as should drinking plenty of fluids. For incontinence, doctors recommend urinating at regular intervals as a preventive measure.

Gastrointestinal distress. If your symptoms are relatively mild, such as burping or nausea, try simply eating smaller, more frequent meals that contain less fat and fiber. If your suffering is more severe, you may need a medication that regulates digestion, or even an antibiotic.

Weakness and dizziness. Practice standing up slowly so you don't suffer from low-blood-pressure induced lightheadedness. Try raising the head of your bed. You can even wear elastic stockings for some relief, and some people report that adding salt to their diet works, too.