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Diabetic Nerve Problems
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Endocrine System

Diabetic Nerve Problems

Diabetic neuropathy affects over half of people with diabetes, causing nerve damage that can lead to pain, numbness, and various functional issues.

Overview

When you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Over time, this condition can damage the covering on your nerves or the blood vessels that bring oxygen to your nerves. As a result, damaged nerves may stop sending messages, or they may send messages slowly or at the wrong times. This damage is known as diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can vary but may include:

  • Numbness in your hands, legs, or feet
  • Shooting pains, burning, or tingling
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
  • Problems with sexual function
  • Urinary problems
  • Dizziness when you change positions quickly

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose diabetic neuropathy through a physical exam and nerve tests.

Treatment & Management

Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent nerve problems or keep them from getting worse. Treatment may also include pain relief and other medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions

While only a clinician can provide a definitive diagnosis, diabetic neuropathy typically presents as a "stocking-glove" pattern, meaning numbness or tingling starts in the toes and fingers and moves up the limbs symmetrically. If you experience sudden weakness, loss of bladder control, or numbness on only one side of the body, seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate a stroke or other neurological emergency rather than gradual nerve damage from diabetes.
Standard over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often ineffective for neuropathic pain because this type of pain originates from nerve misfiring rather than inflammation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe specific medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or certain antidepressants that are proven to manage nerve pain. Do not start these medications without a prescription, as they have specific dosing requirements and potential side effects.
Because you may not feel minor cuts, blisters, or pressure points, inspect your feet daily using a mirror if necessary. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, paying close attention between the toes, and apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet but not between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Always wear well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks, and never walk barefoot, even indoors, to avoid unnoticed injuries that can lead to ulcers or infections.
Consistently high blood glucose levels accelerate the damage to nerve coverings and the small blood vessels that supply oxygen to nerves. Maintaining your A1C at or below your target level, as set by your doctor, is the most effective way to slow the progression of existing neuropathy and reduce the risk of developing new symptoms. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can also cause temporary worsening of symptoms, so consistent monitoring and medication adherence are critical.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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