Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also known as diabetic nerve pain, is a condition that results from nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to symptoms like chronic pain, tingling, and numbness, primarily in the legs and feet.
Some of the most common symptoms include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes, sharp pains or cramps, tingling or burning sensations.
What are the risk factors for diabetic nerve pain?
Anyone with diabetes can develop neuropathy, but certain factors increase the likelihood of nerve damage. These include:
- Poor blood sugar control
- A long history of diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Being overweight (body mass index of ≥25)
- Smoking
What can I do to help manage my symptoms?
While the root cause of diabetic nerve pain is primarily linked to prolonged high blood sugar levels, treatment can help manage the associated pain and other symptoms.
