Nerve damage is a common complication of diabetes. It’s called diabetic neuropathy and causes pain in the extremities, like your feet, toes, legs, and arms. It may cause sensations from numbness to severe electrical-feeling pain that shoots up the nerves. In later stages, it includes foot sores, ulcers, and infections.

There are several types of diabetic neuropathy. Some cause additional symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal tract, sexual function, and vision, as well as shortness of breath and concentration problems.

These sensations may come and go in earlier stages of diabetes. In later stages, they are more persistent.

According to older research, it’s possible for some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy to come and go in its early stages. Additionally, some symptoms may begin as minor and may not be noticeable at first.

Your symptoms and how they progress will also depend on the type of diabetic neuropathy you have. Overall, the effects of diabetic neuropathy worsen as you get older and the longer you have had diabetes.

Managing diabetic retinopathy centers around lowering blood sugar levels, treating nerve pain, and regularly inspecting your feet to check for infection or other wounds. This includes:

  • eating a healthy diet
  • exercising regularly
  • monitoring and recording your blood sugar levels for your doctor
  • taking medications like insulin or metformin (Glucophage) as instructed by your care team
  • seeing a podiatrist (foot doctor) regularly
  • washing your feet with soap and water regularly
  • clipping your toenails regularly
  • wearing comfortable socks and shoes
  • wearing compression stockings, if recommended by your doctor
  • avoiding smoking
  • avoiding alcohol

As of now, it’s not possible to reverse nerve damage caused by diabetes. Management is essential for positive outcomes. Keeping blood sugar levels within target levels is key to decreasing some symptoms, especially in type 1 diabetes. It’s less effective for type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, certain medications can help reduce the pain associated with neuropathy.

It is possible for some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy to come and go, though they typically become more persistent with time. Keeping your blood sugar levels within target range, taking prescribed diabetes medication, and caring for your feet are all important steps to help manage the disease and its symptoms.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms persist despite treatment or if you develop new complications such as sores or an infection.