About half of people with diabetes will eventually develop neuropathy, or nerve damage, because of the disease.
Most people who develop neuropathy have been living with diabetes for a long time. Long-term exposure to high blood sugar damages delicate nerve tissue as well as the blood vessels that supply oxygen to those nerves, though doctors aren’t sure why the damage happens, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most people develop what’s called peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the feet and hands. Diabetic neuropathy can also lead to bladder problems, digestive issues and erectile dysfunction, as well as joint damage.
The damage, which can lead to amputations, can’t always be prevented, but it can often be delayed.
The American Diabetes Association offers these tips:
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly
This will ensure you’re at the glucose level goal set by your health-care provider. Use a blood sugar meter to help plan daily meals and activity, and get an A1C test at least twice a year to make sure your glucose levels are controlled over the long haul. - Report neuropathy symptoms right away
You and your provider can start treating them sooner rather than later. Symptoms include pain or tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation; increased sensitivity, to the point that even wearing socks or having a blanket touch your feet is painful; numbness or weakness; or sores on the feet or hands that heal very slowly. - Protect your feet
Check your feet every day for sores, cuts, scrapes, calluses or other problems. Ask a friend or family member if you can’t do it yourself. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wear shoes and socks that fit well. Some people may need special shoes designed to prevent nerve damage. If you injure your feet, treat the injury quickly to prevent infection. - Exercise is important, but some types of exercise aren’t safe
Talk to your diabetes care provider to find out what types of activity are safest for you.
Kidney disease and smoking can also increase your risk of diabetic neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Neuropathy can’t be cured. Treatment focuses on preventing further damage by controlling blood sugar levels, pain relief and treating specific symptoms, such as urinary tract infections or erectile dysfunction.
