Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. Diabetic neuropathy can occur if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. It most often affects the nerves in your legs and feet.

The most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are numbness, tingling, a burning feeling, aching, cramps and weakness. Symptoms often begin in their feet or hands.

These symptoms may later spread to their legs and arms. Talk to your doctor if you think you might have diabetes or diabetic neuropathy, or call the National Diabetes Services Scheme NDSS Helpline on CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

Having high levels of sugar in the blood for a long time increases the risk of damage to the nerves. High levels of triglycerides , a type of fat found in the blood, can also cause nerve damage. They will also check your past blood sugar levels to see how well your diabetes has been controlled.

Your doctor might refer you to a specialist doctor for further treatment or to another health professional. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. Treatment will depend on the nerves that are affected. Treatment for symptoms related to nerve damage in the legs or arms may include the following.

Talk to your doctor about treatments for problems with autonomic nerve damage such as low blood pressure on standing or digestive or sexual problems. The most important thing to do to prevent diabetic neuropathy is to control your blood sugar levels.

This means:. Read more about diabetes on the Diabetes Australia website. Everyone with diabetes has to be careful about their feet. Read more on the Diabetes Australia website.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Read more on Better Health Channel website. Neuropathy in diabetes also called diabetic nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy is temporary or permanent damage to nerve tissue in people with diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. Read more on myDr website. Peripheral neuropathy is a common type of nerve damage that may be caused by underlying conditions. It is often associated with diabetes.

Read more on Brain Foundation website. Peripheral neuropathy is a possible side effect of cancer treatment. Find out what it is, what the symptoms are and how it can be managed here.

Read more on Cancer Council Australia website. When you have diabetes, you need to take care of your feet every day. Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to poor Read more on Diabetes Australia website.

The feet and legs are common sites for complications in people with diabetes, and for this reason good foot care is very important. The mouth is often overlooked as an area of the body with complications associated with diabetes. Find out all about neuropathic pain, nerve pain, which is usually described as a shooting, stabbing or burning pain, with myDr.

Diabetic nephropathy diabetic kidney disease is kidney damage that results from having diabetes. Find out how to reduce your risk of developing this diabetes complication. Leg ache or leg pain is a symptom with many possible causes, that may involve muscles, nerves or blood vessels.

Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Diabetic neuropathies increase with age, duration of diabetes and level of control of diabetes.

Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website. They are heterogeneous, with diverse clinical manifestations, and may be focal or diffuse.

The fructosamine test is a measurement of glycated protein which is formed by a nonenzymatic reaction of serum proteins with glucose. However, glycated album. A doctor will determine whether or not you have neuropathy, starting by asking about your symptoms and medical history.

A doctor may do a filament test to test the sensitivity in your feet. A tuning fork may be used to test your vibration threshold. A doctor may also test your ankle reflexes.

In some cases, they may also perform a nerve conduction study , which can assess nerve damage by measuring the speed and strength of nerve signals. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is the best way to decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy or slow its progression.

It can also relieve some symptoms. Quitting smoking , if applicable, and exercising regularly are also parts of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before beginning a new fitness routine. You may also ask a doctor about complementary treatments or supplements for neuropathy.

Medications may be used to treat pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. Talk with a doctor about the available medications and their potential side effects. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms.

You may also want to consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Some research has found capsaicin to be helpful. Alternative therapies may provide additional relief when used in conjunction with medication. Depending on your type of neuropathy, a doctor can suggest medications, therapies, or lifestyle changes that may help deal with symptoms and ward off complications.

For example, if you have problems with digestion as a result of your neuropathy, a doctor may suggest you eat smaller meals more often and limit the amount of fiber and fat in your diet.

If you have vaginal dryness, a doctor may suggest a lubricant. If you have erectile dysfunction , they may prescribe medication that can help. Peripheral neuropathy is very common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious foot complications , which in turn can lead to amputation.

Diabetic neuropathy can often be avoided if you manage your blood glucose vigilantly. To do this, be consistent in:. If you do develop diabetic neuropathy, work closely with a doctor and follow their recommendations for slowing its progression.

With proper care, you can reduce the damage to your nerves and avoid complications. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common but painful symptom of diabetes. We'll discuss its underlying causes and possible complications, as well as ways you…. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition caused by nerve damage from diabetes. Read on to learn about the symptoms. Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes.

Alpha-lipoic acid ALA is a possible alternative remedy for pain from neuropathy due to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and chronic pain. Learn about eight natural remedies you can try to alleviate these symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy causes pain, typically in the hands and feet.

Learn about simple exercises you can complete at home to treat peripheral…. Monitoring your blood sugar is vital for controlling diabetes.

Learn how glucose is produced, when and how to check your levels, and recommended…. New research suggests that logging high weekly totals of moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney…. Kelly Clarkson revealed that she was diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, during an episode….

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Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Carmella Wint, Matthew Solan, and Brian Wu — Updated on November 22, Symptoms Types Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that develops gradually and is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? What are the different types of diabetic neuropathy? Explore our top resources. What causes diabetic neuropathy? Discover more about Type 2 Diabetes. How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed? How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

Can I prevent diabetic neuropathy? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

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Nov 22, Edited By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Share this article. Read this next. Diabetic Neuropathy: Can It Be Reversed?

The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy usually affects the feet and legs, but it can also affect the arms or hands. Symptoms are varied and can be mild to severe. They include:. If you have peripheral neuropathy, you may not feel an injury or sore on your foot.

People with diabetes often have poor circulation , which makes it more difficult for wounds to heal. This combination increases the risk of infection. In extreme cases, infection can lead to amputation. The second most common type of neuropathy in people with diabetes is autonomic neuropathy.

The autonomic nervous system runs other systems in your body over which you have no conscious control. Many organs and muscles are controlled by it, including your:. Nerve damage to the digestive system may cause :.

Gastroparesis causes a delay in digestion, which can worsen over time, leading to frequent nausea and vomiting. Delayed digestion often makes it more difficult to control blood glucose levels, too, with frequently alternating high and low readings.

Also, symptoms of hypoglycemia , such as sweating and heart palpitations, can go undetected in people with autonomic neuropathy. This can mean not noticing when you have low blood sugar, increasing the risk of a hypoglycemic emergency.

Autonomic neuropathy may also cause sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, or difficulty achieving orgasm. Neuropathy in the bladder can cause incontinence or make it difficult to fully empty your bladder.

Damage to the nerves that control your heart rate and blood pressure can make them respond more slowly. You may experience a drop in blood pressure and feel light-headed or dizzy when you stand up after sitting or lying down, or when you exert yourself.

Autonomic neuropathy can also cause an abnormally fast heart rate. Autonomic neuropathy can make it difficult to identify some of the symptoms of a heart attack.

If you have autonomic neuropathy, you should know the other symptoms of a heart attack , including :. A rare form of neuropathy is proximal neuropathy, also known as diabetic amyotrophy.

This form of neuropathy is more common in adults over 50 years old with type 2 diabetes and is diagnosed more often in men. It often affects the hips, buttocks, or thighs. You may experience sudden and sometimes severe pain.

Muscle weakness in your legs may make it difficult to stand up without assistance. Diabetic amyotrophy usually affects only one side of the body.

After the onset of symptoms, they usually get worse and then eventually begin to improve slowly. Most people recover within a few years, even without treatment. This occurs most often in your hand, head, torso, or leg.

It appears suddenly and is usually very painful. Like proximal neuropathy, most focal neuropathies go away in a few weeks or months and leave no lasting damage. The most common type is carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by high blood sugar levels sustained over a long period of time.

Other factors can lead to nerve damage such as:. Low levels of vitamin B12 can also lead to neuropathy. Metformin, a common medication used to manage diabetes, can decrease levels of vitamin B You can ask a doctor for a simple blood test to identify any vitamin deficiencies.

A doctor will determine whether or not you have neuropathy, starting by asking about your symptoms and medical history. A doctor may do a filament test to test the sensitivity in your feet.

A tuning fork may be used to test your vibration threshold. A doctor may also test your ankle reflexes. In some cases, they may also perform a nerve conduction study , which can assess nerve damage by measuring the speed and strength of nerve signals.

Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is the best way to decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy or slow its progression. It can also relieve some symptoms. Quitting smoking , if applicable, and exercising regularly are also parts of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Always talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before beginning a new fitness routine. You may also ask a doctor about complementary treatments or supplements for neuropathy. Medications may be used to treat pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.

Talk with a doctor about the available medications and their potential side effects. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms. You may also want to consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

Some research has found capsaicin to be helpful. Alternative therapies may provide additional relief when used in conjunction with medication. Depending on your type of neuropathy, a doctor can suggest medications, therapies, or lifestyle changes that may help deal with symptoms and ward off complications.

For example, if you have problems with digestion as a result of your neuropathy, a doctor may suggest you eat smaller meals more often and limit the amount of fiber and fat in your diet. If you have vaginal dryness, a doctor may suggest a lubricant. If you have erectile dysfunction , they may prescribe medication that can help.

Peripheral neuropathy is very common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious foot complications , which in turn can lead to amputation. Diabetic neuropathy can often be avoided if you manage your blood glucose vigilantly.

To do this, be consistent in:. If you do develop diabetic neuropathy, work closely with a doctor and follow their recommendations for slowing its progression. With proper care, you can reduce the damage to your nerves and avoid complications.

In peripheral neuropathy, some people may have a loss of sensation in their feet, while others may have burning or shooting pain in their lower legs. Most nerve damage develops over many years, and some people may not notice symptoms of mild nerve damage for a long time. In some people, severe pain begins suddenly.

Peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot complications , such as sores, ulcers, and infections, because nerve damage can make you lose feeling in your feet. As a result, you may not notice that your shoes are causing a sore or that you have injured your feet.

Nerve damage can also cause problems with balance and coordination, leading to falls and fractures. These problems may make it difficult for you to get around easily, causing you to lose some of your independence. In some people with diabetes, nerve damage causes chronic pain, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Autonomic neuropathy can cause problems with how your organs work , including problems with your heart rate and blood pressure, digestion, urination , and ability to sense when you have low blood glucose.

To prevent diabetic neuropathy, it is important to manage your diabetes by managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. If you have diabetic neuropathy, you should manage your diabetes, which means managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight to keep nerve damage from getting worse.

Check your feet for problems every day, and take good care of your feet. See your doctor for a neurological exam and a foot exam at least once a year—more often if you have foot problems. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK , part of the National Institutes of Health.

NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. The NIDDK would like to thank: Rodica Pop-Busui, M. Home Health Information Diabetes Diabetes Overview Preventing Diabetes Problems Diabetic Neuropathy What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

English English Español. Diabetic Neuropathy What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? Peripheral Neuropathy Autonomic Neuropathy Focal Neuropathies Proximal Neuropathy What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? In this section: What are the different types of diabetic neuropathy?

Who is most likely to get diabetic neuropathy? What causes diabetic neuropathy? How common is diabetic neuropathy? What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? What problems does diabetic neuropathy cause?

How can I prevent diabetic neuropathy? How can I prevent diabetic neuropathy from getting worse?

If you have diabetes, this should be on your radar. Neuropathy new-ROP-uh-thee is a diabetes complication that causes nerve damage throughout your body. About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage.

It is more common in those who have had diabetes for many years and can lead to various health problems down the line, impacting your quality of life. Keeping your blood glucose blood sugar levels on target is your best line of defense against neuropathy.

You can also manage neuropathy through a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About neuropathy Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy Autonomic neuropathy Causes of diabetic neuropathy Risk factors for diabetic neuropathy Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy Treatment for diabetic neuropathy Treatment for painful neuropathy Prevention of diabetic neuropathy Where to get help.

About neuropathy Neuropathy means damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy Most people with diabetic neuropathy are unaware that they have nerve damage, until it is picked up on routine screening by their doctor. These symptoms can have a major effect on health and wellbeing because: balance problems increase the risk of falls weakness leads to deformities in the feet, like claw or hammer toes, and bunions numbness means damage to the feet may go unnoticed.

Together, these can lead to the formation of a foot ulcer. Autonomic neuropathy The autonomic nerves, which regulate the functioning of organs and glands without our conscious effort, can also be damaged by diabetes.

Causes of diabetic neuropathy High glucose and lipid fat levels in the blood, and the toxic byproducts they generate through their metabolism, are thought to be the major causes of neuropathy associated with diabetes. Risk factors for diabetic neuropathy The longer a person has diabetes and the worse the control of their diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic neuropathy.

Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy The diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy may include: taking a medical history for symptoms typical of neuropathy checking your feet and legs for responses to stimuli such as temperature, light touch, pain, movement and vibration checking the reflexes at your ankles and knees tests to exclude other possible causes of neuropathy such as low vitamin B 1 or thiamine levels.

Treatment for diabetic neuropathy Damaged nerves cannot be repaired. However, the risk of further complications in the feet can be reduced by: vigilance — regular inspection of the feet for early signs of trouble or potential problem areas such as breaks in skin, signs of infection or deformity getting help at the first sign of trouble — early treatment of foot ulcers gives the best chance that they will heal good foot and nail hygiene choosing appropriate socks and shoes properly fitted to the shape of your foot avoiding activities that may injure the feet.

Check shoes for stones, sticks and other foreign objects that might hurt your feet every time before putting your shoes on. Treatment for painful neuropathy Appropriate pain management can significantly improve the lives of people with diabetes and painful neuropathy.

Most people would begin with one of either: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine, duloxetine tricyclics antidepressants such as amityptiline anti-epileptics such as gabapentin, pregabalin. Prevention of diabetic neuropathy Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions to reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy include: Maintain blood glucose levels within the target ranges.

Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight for your height. Stop smoking. Reduce your blood pressure and lipid fat levels through diet and lifestyle changes, and medication where appropriate Consult your doctor promptly if you have symptoms including pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

Have your feet checked at least yearly by your doctor, podiatrist or diabetes educator, or more often if you have signs of problems with your feet or other complications of your diabetes. Where to get help Your GP doctor Podiatrist Diabetes specialist Diabetes educator National Diabetes Services Scheme NDSS External Link Tel.

Up to 1 in 4 people with the condition experience some pain caused by nerve damage. If you have diabetes, your risk of polyneuropathy is higher if your blood sugar is poorly controlled or you:. If you have diabetes, examine your feet regularly to check for open wounds or sores ulcers or chilblains.

As well as diabetes, there are many other possible causes of peripheral neuropathy. Some of the health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:. A few medicines may sometimes cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect in some people.