What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetes can harm your nerves. That damage, called neuropathy, may be painful.

It can happen in several ways, and they all seem to be related to blood sugar levels being too high for too long. To prevent it, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar.

You may hear your doctor mention the four types of diabetes-related neuropathy: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This type usually affects the feet and legs. Rare cases affect the arms, abdomen, and back.

Symptoms include:

Tingling
Numbness (which may become permanent)
Burning (especially in the evening)
Pain

Early symptoms usually get better when your blood sugar is under control. There are medications to help manage the discomfort.

What you should do:

Check your feet and legs daily.
Use lotion on your feet if they're dry.
Take care of your toenails. Ask your doctor if you should go to a podiatrist.
Wear shoes that fit well. Wear them all the time, so your feet don't get injured