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Diabetic Nerve Pain and Damage

Diabetic Nerve Pain and Damage

 

Nerve cells are like insulated wires. When blood sugar is high, the sugar causes damage to the insulation of the nerve. After time, the nerves become unable to send signals through the body the way they should. This damage to nerve cells is called "neuropathy."

Many people are familiar with the idea that nerve damage can affect their hands and feet -- that's why your doctor is likely to check the sensation in your feet at every visit. But nerve damage can affect every organ in the body -- from your digestive tract to your bladder and sexual organs, and from your fingertips to how you perspire.1

It's important to note that nerve damage can also affect your ability to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar.1

Who Is at Risk for Diabetic Neuropathy?

About 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. The highest rates are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years, or who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or are overweight. It's also more prevalent among people with problems controlling their blood sugar.1

Of course, that means keeping your blood sugar controlled can reduce your risk, right? Absolutely. In the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a ten-year study of people with type 1 diabetes, researchers found that tight control may reduce your chance of getting neuropathy by up to 60%.2

Neuropathy Symptoms

The symptoms of nerve damage depend on the type of neuropathy and which nerves are affected. And some types of neuropathy have no symptoms at all. Because it comes on slowly, mild cases can go unnoticed for a long time. So watch out for:1

  • numbness, tingling, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms and fingers
  • sensitivity to touch
  • indigestion, nausea or vomiting
  • difficulty swallowing
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • dizziness or faintness when you stand or sit up
  • profuse sweating at night or when eating
  • problems with urination
  • erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women
  • loss of balance or coordination, weakness

 

Treatment for Diabetic Nerve Damage

Your treatment for diabetic neuropathy is likely to start with blood sugar control. Blood glucose monitoring, meal planning, physical activity and medication can all contribute. Your doctor may also recommend oral medication or topical cream for pain relief, and changes in eating habits may help lessen digestion problems.1

If you have any of the symptoms on the list above, or anything that concerns you, tell your healthcare team so you can get the help you need.

Prevent or Delay Diabetic Neuropathy1

  • Keep your blood sugar levels close to normal range.
  • Work to lower high blood pressure or cholesterol.
  • If you smoke, stop.
  • Check your feet daily for cuts, calluses or changes to your feet.
  • Report any symptoms or problems to your healthcare team.

1 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes." Available at http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/index.htm. Accessed March 11, 2008.
2 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Diabetes Control and Complications Trial," 1983-1993. Available at http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/control/. Accessed February 22, 2008.