Diabetic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When you have diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that disrupts communication between your nerves and brain. Also known as peripheral neuropathy, it’s one of the most common complications of diabetes—and it doesn’t always hurt at first. That’s the problem. You might not notice it until your feet go numb, your toes feel like they’re wrapped in cotton, or you drop things because your hands don’t feel them anymore.

High blood sugar is the main villain here. It slowly poisons the tiny blood vessels that feed your nerves, especially in your hands and feet. Over time, your nerves can’t send signals properly. That’s why people with diabetic neuropathy often feel burning, tingling, or sharp pain—even when nothing’s touching their skin. But it’s not just about pain. Numbness is more dangerous. If you can’t feel a blister forming on your foot, it can turn into an infection. And if that infection spreads? It can lead to amputation. That’s why blood sugar control, the consistent management of glucose levels to prevent organ and nerve damage isn’t just a goal—it’s your best defense.

It’s not just your feet. Diabetic neuropathy can mess with your digestion, your bladder, your heart rate, and even your ability to know when you’re having low blood sugar. That’s autonomic neuropathy, and it’s silent until it’s serious. The good news? You can slow it down. Studies show that keeping your A1C under 7% cuts your risk of nerve damage by over 60%. That means checking your sugar often, eating right, moving daily, and taking meds as prescribed. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

And don’t wait for symptoms. If you’ve had diabetes for more than five years, get your feet checked every year—even if they feel fine. A simple monofilament test can spot early nerve damage before you feel anything. Wear proper shoes. Inspect your feet every day. Keep them clean and dry. These aren’t just tips—they’re lifesavers.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there: how to manage foot ulcers, what supplements might help (and which ones won’t), how to tell if your pain is from nerves or something else, and why some meds work better than others. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.