How To Tackle Diabetic Neuropathy

Good control of diabetes over time is the key to treating diabetic neuropathy. There is no cure for neuropathy, but keeping your blood sugar within a target range can reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.

- Dr Arun Oommen MBBS, MS (Gen Surg), MCh (Neurosurgery), MRCSEd,MBA Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon

Diabetic neuropathy is a common serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerve fibers throughout your body, but diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.

Depending on the affected Nerves, symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may include:

Tingling

Numbness (severe or long-term numbness can become permanent)

Burning (especially in the evening)

Pain

Nerve damage in the feet can result in a loss of foot sensation, increasing your risk of foot problems. Injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized due to a lack of sensation.

For some people, these symptoms are mild; for others, diabetic neuropathy can be painful, disabling and even fatal.