Diabetic Nerve Problems

Summary

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Over time, this can damage the covering on your nerves or the blood vessels that bring oxygen to your nerves. Damaged nerves may stop sending messages, or may send messages slowly or at the wrong times.

This damage is called diabetic neuropathy. Over half of people with diabetes get it. Symptoms 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

Your doctor will diagnose diabetic neuropathy with a physical exam and nerve tests. Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent nerve problems, or keep them from getting worse. Treatment may include pain relief and other medicines.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Specifics

• Additional Types of Neuropathy American Diabetes Association
• Autonomic Neuropathy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Diabetes, Sexual, and Bladder Problems National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Gastroparesis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Find an Expert

• American Diabetes Association American Diabetes Association
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• NIDDK Information Clearinghouses and Health Information Center National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Diagnosis and Tests

• Autonomic Testing National Library of Medicine

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Diabetic Neuropathies National Institutes of Health

Patient Handouts

• Cranial mononeuropathy III – diabetic type Medical Encyclopedia
• Diabetes and nerve damage Medical Encyclopedia
• Nerve damage from diabetes – self-care Medical Encyclopedia

Related Issues

• Diabetes and Your Feet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Start Here

• Diabetic Neuropathy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathies) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Men

• Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Journal Articles

• Diabetic Nerve Problems

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy

Treatments and Therapies

• Therapies for Treating Diabetic Nerve Pain American Academy of Neurology