Diabetic neuropathy symptoms, warning signs and treatment information on MedicineNet.com

Font Size

Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment & More

Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow

Quiz: Are You At Risk for Diabetic Nerve Pain?

Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow

Featured diabetic neuropathy patient discussions on effective treatments experienced

"For my diabetic neuropathy, the combination of Cymbalta and Hydrocodone helped a lot with the pain. Unfortunately, I lost my job, and therefore my insurance. I can't afford either one of my medications now."

"I'm a 36-year-old woman who found out that I was diabetic about five years ago. For about eight years now, I've been in the worst pain ever in my life. I was having problems with both of my feet being numb before I found out what was a matter with me, that it was diabetic neuropathy. I take Lyrica and Percocet, and still that has no effect on my feet. People think I'm crazy when I say my feet are numb but, they hurt so bad I can't stand it. I also just got both of my big toes amputated at the beginning of the year, so pay close attention to your feet. It still feels as if they are still there, too."

"The only treatment I've been given is the medication Lyrica. It eases the severe pain so I can sleep at night, but it by no means takes ALL the pain away. It's also expensive."

Read All Comments on Diabetic Neuropathy »

Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

Diabetic Neuropathy Overview

Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, is damage to the nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain. There are a number of ways that diabetes damages the nerves, but they all seem related to blood sugar being too high for a long period of time.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can be painful, but it isn't severe pain in most cases.

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The areas of the body most commonly affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy are the feet and legs. Nerve damage in the feet can result in a loss of foot sensation, increasing your risk of foot problems. Injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized due to lack of sensation. Therefore, you should practice proper skin and foot care. Rarely, other areas of the body such as the arms, abdomen, and back may be affected.

Symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may include:

Tingling
Numbness (severe or long-term numbness can become permanent)
Burning (especially in the evening)
Pain

In most cases, early symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy will become less when blood sugar is under control. Medications can be taken to help control the discomfort if needed.

To prevent peripheral neuropathy:

Work with your doctor to keep your blood glucose under tight control

To help prevent the complications of peripheral neuropathy:

Examine your feet and legs daily.
Apply lotion if your feet are dry.
Care for your nails regularly. (Go to a podiatrist, if necessary).
Wear properly fitting footwear and wear them all the time to prevent foot injury.