Diabetic Nerve Problems

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can damage the covering on your nerves or the blood vessels that bring oxygen to your nerves. Damaged nerves may stop sending messages, or may send messages slowly or at the wrong times.

This damage is called diabetic neuropathy. About half of people with diabetes get it. Symptoms may include

• Numbness in your hands, legs or feet
• Shooting pains, burning or tingling
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
• Problems with sexual function
• Urinary problems
• Dizziness when you change positions quickly

Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent nerve problems, or keep them from getting worse. Treatment may include pain relief and other medicines.

External Resources

Dellon Institutes for Peripheral Nerve Surgery - The Dellon IPNS specializes in relieving diabetic neuropathy pain. Provides a patient guide about surgical and non-surgical treatments of diabetic neuropathy and other peripheral nerve problems.

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