Introduction
Living with diabetes can bring unexpected complications, especially when it starts to affect your nerves. One of the most common yet serious issues is diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects many people with diabetes, often starting in the feet. This post breaks down what diabetic neuropathy really is, why it happens, what symptoms to watch for, and how it can be managed effectively.
If you’ve been feeling burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, or pain that just won’t go away, this article is for you.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar.
- It often starts in the feet and legs, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe complications.
- Management includes blood sugar control, foot care, and medications for pain.
- Regular checkups with a podiatrist can help protect your feet from further damage.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs and feet. Over time, this can result in various kinds of discomfort — or, in some cases, a complete lack of sensation.
There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, but peripheral neuropathy is the most common and affects the feet and lower legs.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
The exact cause is linked to long-term high blood sugar levels that interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit signals. Other contributing factors include:
- Poor blood circulation to the legs and feet
- High levels of inflammation in the nerves
- Lifestyle choices like smoking or alcohol use
- Kidney disease
- Genetic factors (some people are more prone to nerve damage)
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Symptoms vary depending on the type of neuropathy, but for the feet, you might experience:
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Sharp, stabbing pains in the feet or toes
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Foot deformities or ulcers due to unnoticed injuries
If you notice a cut or sore that isn’t healing — especially if it’s painless — see a podiatrist right away. These are signs of neuropathy that could lead to serious infections.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your podiatrist will conduct a thorough foot exam and might use one or more of the following tests:
- Monofilament testing: Checks your sensitivity to pressure
- Nerve conduction studies: Measures how fast your nerves send signals
- Electromyography (EMG): Assesses muscle response to nerve signals
- Tuning fork or temperature tests: Tests sensitivity to vibration and temperature
Catching diabetic neuropathy early can prevent complications like ulcers, infections, and amputations.
Management and Treatment
There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but treatment focuses on slowing progression, relieving pain, and managing complications. Here’s how:
1. Blood Sugar Control
Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range is the most important step. It helps prevent further nerve damage and may even improve symptoms.
2. Medications for Nerve Pain
- Pregabalin or gabapentin
- Duloxetine or amitriptyline
- Topical treatments like capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
3. Foot Care
- Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or redness
- Keep your feet clean and moisturized (but not between the toes)
- Wear well-fitted shoes or custom orthotics
- Avoid walking barefoot
4. Physical Therapy
Exercises can help improve strength, coordination, and balance — reducing your risk of falls.
5. Alternative Therapies
- Acupuncture
- Alpha-lipoic acid (a dietary supplement that may help nerve function)
- TENS therapy (electrical stimulation for pain relief)
Prevention
If you have diabetes, preventing neuropathy starts with daily care and regular check-ins:
- Monitor and control blood sugar levels
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Get regular exercise to improve circulation
- Schedule routine foot exams with a podiatrist
Outlook / Prognosis
While diabetic neuropathy is a lifelong condition, many people find relief with the right combination of treatment and lifestyle changes. Staying proactive with foot care and keeping your diabetes in check can help you avoid severe complications.
Living With Diabetic Neuropathy
Daily management can feel overwhelming, but having a plan makes a difference. Keep a checklist of foot care habits, stay consistent with medications, and talk to your doctor if symptoms worsen. The earlier you speak up about new or changing symptoms, the better your outcomes will be.
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
If you’re living with diabetes and noticing changes in your feet — pain, tingling, or numbness — don’t ignore it. Our experienced team at Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, Indiana is here to help manage and treat diabetic neuropathy so you can stay mobile and pain-free. Book an appointment with a trusted podiatrist near you today and take a step toward better foot health.
FAQs About Diabetic Neuropathy
- Can diabetic neuropathy be treated?
Diabetic neuropathy can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression, relieving pain, improving function, and controlling blood sugar levels. Medication, physical therapy, and foot care routines are often used together to help reduce symptoms. - What blood sugar level causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy often develops when blood sugar levels remain consistently high over time—typically above 180 mg/dL after meals or over 130 mg/dL fasting. The longer high blood sugar goes unmanaged, the greater the risk of nerve damage. - What are the 5 main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Sharp or burning pain
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Can you prevent diabetic neuropathy?
Yes, early and consistent blood sugar control is key to preventing diabetic neuropathy. Other preventive steps include regular foot exams, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol. - What is the root cause of diabetic neuropathy?
- The main cause is prolonged high blood sugar, which damages nerves over time. Poor circulation, inflammation, and genetic factors can also play a role in how quickly and severely nerve damage develops.
