Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerves throughout your body and most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.

Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. But for others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite painful and disabling.

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, radiculoplexus neuropathy, and mononeuropathy.

Your symptoms will depend on the type you have and which nerves are affected. Usually, symptoms develop gradually. You may not notice anything wrong until considerable nerve damage has occurred. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Sharp pains, cramps, and numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Weight loss