Diabetes is a condition that is characterized with high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time, it can lead to damage to the nerves. This leads to a condition called diabetic neuropathy.
When damage occurs to the peripheral nerves of the body, it is called peripheral diabetic neuropathy. When this damage occurs to the autonomic nerves of the body, it is called autonomic neuropathy.
Diabetes and feet – Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common diabetes complications and affects more than 60% of people with diabetes in some form or the other. It is a progressive condition that is more common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Diabetic neuropathy in the earlier stages begins with foot pain, numbness, and tingling sensation. It is also characterized with burning sensation, and a feeling of pinpricks. However, as the condition progresses, there is loss of sensation, increased risk of diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic foot infections, and ultimately foot amputation.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:
- Foot pain
- Burning sensation in the feet
- Stabbing sensation with a feeling of pinpricks
- Electric shock sensation
- Tingling sensation in the toes
- Lack of sensation of pain
- Lack of sensation of temperature
- Weakness of muscles
