Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage from chronic high blood sugar, typically causing numbness, tingling, and burning pain
Symptoms
- Numbness in the feet or hands
- Tingling sensation
- Burning pain
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Loss of sensation
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Foot ulcers
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced reflexes
- Unnoticed injuries to the feet
Nerve damage from chronic high blood sugar, typically causing numbness, tingling, and burning pain in a "stocking-glove" pattern starting in the feet, with risk of unnoticed injuries and foot ulcers. Prevention through tight glucose control is key. Pain management includes pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants. Regular foot care and inspection prevent complications like ulcers and amputation. Newer approaches include topical capsaicin patches and, for severe refractory pain, spinal cord stimulation. Surgery is not used to treat the neuropathy itself, only its complications.
