If you took GLP-1s for weight loss, did it help your Neuropathy?

I had a dx of severe, bilateral peripheral neuropathy about 15 years ago. As expected, things got progressively worse.

Neurologist at the time was disappointed he couldn't pin it on diabetes. By default, cause seems to be lumbar disc injury.

2 years or so, ago, I started into remission - growth of new muscle, return of feet sensations, improved handwriting, etc.

CIDP dx followed.

Allowing for 30 day ramp-up, this corresponded, exactly, with two events:

(1) daily consumption of a dozen or so unsalted cashews;

(2) resumption of weekly church attendance - not as hokey as it sounds - standing on thick carpets in choir is akin to an intense waffle board exercise.

Vanderbilt Medical published a promising study some years ago linking PN improvements with cashew shell extract.

Cashews contain lots of fat, maybe of the sort lost from my nerve fibers?

I've heard crazier stories.

@constable12 hello. I was DX with CIDP 9/2025 All along Dr.’s thought it was Neuropathy from Chemotherapy TX . It was not. Dx with CIDP. Appointment at University of PA/PA Med on 4/6
What about the cashews?

@cehunt57 for acronyms, just type it into Google search on your phone or computer. It will pop up an explanation. I do it all the time while reading the forums.

@cehunt57 - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Great place to learn more about the condition is the Shining through CIDP site - https://www.shiningthroughcidp.com/everyday-life-with-cidp/what-is-cidp. They have a lot of good information to help manage everyday life for those with CIDP.

I have peripheral and autonomic neuropathy as complications of 50+ years of diabetes. I don’t typically follow the Neuropathy group discussions. What is CIDP? I’m not good with acronyms and abbreviations.

CIDP is rather obscure - a half dozen or so patients per 100,000 population.

I found a really bright and persistent neurologist, who didn't blow me off when I told her my symptoms were in remission - increased flexibility and feeling in feet, increased ankle girth, new muscles appearing on the tops of my thighs, handwriting legible. The latest - about 2 months ago - my feet started staying warm at night, presumably means improved circulation.

She went through the necessary tests - including contrast MRI of spinal injury and spinal fluid analysis. The last, and most expensive test, was a genetic analysis in order to exclude Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The timing of the cashew consumption, and carpet stress, was 100% spot-on.

Interesting. I went and read about CIDP.
How did you finally receive the correct diagnosis?
How did you decide the disciplines that you utilized that resulted in remission?

I was diagnosed with severe, bilateral peripherial neuropathy approximately 15 years ago.

About 2 years ago, I started into remission and am, now, receiving IVIG treatments every 3 weeks.

Turns out, I was improperly diagnosed.

What I do appear to have is CIDP, which typically has PN symptoms, but can go into remission, with or without medication.

In my case, the remission coincided, exactly, with: (1) daily consumption of cashews and (2) a weekly routine that included standing on thick carpet (which has an exertion effect similar to using an exercise waffle board).

Take your pick, but neither (1) or (2) were casual in nature.

@db72 Medicare covers it if you have Diabetes. Not for weight loss.

@v8auto and @tsinnc, Mayo Clinic's opening paragraph recaps what you are both saying quite nicely and with understanding.
- Obesity https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742

EXCERPT
"Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. You might think of obesity as a cosmetic concern. But it's a medical condition that increases the risk of many other diseases and health conditions. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers.

There are many reasons why some people have trouble losing weight. Often, obesity results from inherited, physiological and environmental factors, combined with diet, physical activity and exercise choices.

The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health conditions associated with obesity. A healthier diet, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medicines and weight-loss procedures are other options for treating obesity."

To bring this discussion back on topic:
@elwtonykt asks about the possible effect of GLP-1 medications on diabetic-related neuropathy. GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy) have a dual relationship with neuropathy: they have been reported by some patients to have improved existing diabetic neuropathy symptoms, possibly due to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects (as @tsinnc mentioned, thank you). However for some people, these same medications have been reported to increase the neuropathy symptoms.

Researchers are studying these effects. Here's one study that is underway:
- A Research Study to Investigate the Effects of CagriSema Compared to Placebo in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06797869

As always, it it best to talk to your doctor about your specific risks factors related to you. And that you and your doctor watch for new nerve pain or weakness, or improved neuropathy symptoms while on GLP-1 medication.

@elwtonykt, have you started treatment? Did you notice any changes in your neuropathy?