In this Article

• Diabetic Neuropathy Overview
• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
• Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
• Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy
• Diabetic Focal Neuropathy
• Other Nerve Damage Seen With Diabetes
• Prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy
• Patient Discussions: Diabetic Neuropathy - Effective Treatments
• Diabetic Neuropathy Glossary
• Diabetic Neuropathy Index

Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy

Diabetic proximal neuropathy causes pain (usually on one side) in the thighs, hips, or buttocks. It can also lead to weakness in the legs. Treatment for weakness or pain is usually needed and may include medication and physical therapy. The recovery varies, depending on the type of nerve damage. Prevention consists of keeping blood glucose under tight control.

Diabetic Focal Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy can also appear suddenly and affect specific nerves, most often in the head, torso, or leg, causing muscle weakness or pain. This is known as focal neuropathy. Symptoms may include:

• double vision
   
• eye pain
   
• paralysis on one side of the face (Bell's palsy)
   
• severe pain in a certain area, such as the lower back or leg(s)
   
• chest or abdominal pain that is sometimes mistaken for another condition such as heart attack or appendicitis

Focal neuropathy is painful and unpredictable, however, it tends to improve by itself over weeks or months and does not tend to cause long-term damage.

Other Nerve Conditions Seen With Diabetes

People with diabetes can also develop other nerve-related conditions, such as nerve compressions (entrapment syndromes).

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common type of entrapment syndrome and causes numbness and tingling of the hand and sometimes muscle weakness or pain.

Prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy

Keeping tight control of your blood sugar levels will help prevent many of these diabetes-related nerve conditions. Talk to your doctor about optimizing your individual diabetes treatment plan.

Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.

SOURCES: American Diabetes Association (ADA): "Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) and Diabetes." ADA: "Additional Specific Types of Diabetic Neuropathy." National Diabetes Education Program: "Prevention and Early Intervention for Diabetes Foot Problems."

Reviewed by John A. Seibel, MD on July 01, 2007
Edited by Ephraim K Brenman, DO on March 01, 2007

Portions of this page copyright © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Diabetic Neuropathy - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe what treatments have been effective for your diabetic neuropathy.

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 14 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• gabapentin, Neurontin, Gabarone - Read about the medication gabapentin (Neurontin, Gabarone), a drug used for treating seizure disorders, shingles, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, hot flashes, restless leg syndrome, and hyperydrosis.
• Hemoglobin A1c Test - Hemoglobin A1c test is used as a standard tool to determine blood sugar control for patients with diabetes
• Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.

Read more Diabetic Neuropathy related articles »

Latest Medical News

• High Blood Fats Tied to Diabetic Nerve Loss
• Gene Therapy Improves Diabetic Neuropathy in Study
• Prevent Diabetic Ills With Chamomile Tea?