Overview

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Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes.  High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. But for others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite painful and disabling.

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Peripheral neuropathy 

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Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include:

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes

• Tingling or burning sensation

• Sharp pains or cramps

• Increased sensitivity to touch — for some people, even the weight of a bedsheet can be painful

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of reflexes, especially in the ankle

• Loss of balance and coordination

• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain

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