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Living with Diabetes

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Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

   

Nerve damage from diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy (new-ROP-uh-thee). About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. It is more common in those who have had the disease for a number of years and can lead to many kinds of problems.

Over time excess blood glucose can injure the walls of tiny blood vessels that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. Nerves send messages to and from your brain about pain, temperature and touch. They tell your muscles when and how to move. They also control body systems that digest food and pass urine.

If you keep your blood glucose levels on target, you may help prevent or delay nerve damage. If you already have nerve damage, this will help prevent or delay further damage. There are also other treatments that can help.


Peripheral Neuropathy

Also known as sensorimotor neuropathy, this can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in your feet and hands.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves in your body that control your body systems. It affects your digestive system, urinary tract, sex organs, heart and blood vessels, sweat glands, and eyes.

Additional Types of Neuropathy

Additional types of neuropathy include charcot’s joint, cranial neuropathy, compression mononeuropathy, femoral neuropathy, diabetic amyotrophy, thoracic or lumbar radiculopathy, and unilateral foot drop.

Steps to Prevent or Delay Nerve Damage

Take these steps to prevent or delay nerve damage. If you already have diabetic neuropathy, these steps can help you avoic further damage and lesson your symptoms.

Down but Not Depressed

There may be a name for how you feel: diabetes distress.

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American Diabetes Association • 1701 North Beauregard Street • Alexandria, VA 22311 • 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)

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