Juven® | Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Education

Diabetic neuropathy and the health of your legs and feet

Diabetic neuropathy describes a type of nerve damage that affects as many as 50% of people with diabetes. Most often, it damages nerves in the legs and feet.

The most common type of neuropathy for people with diabetes is called peripheral neuropathy. This neuropathy usually affects the feet and legs first, and then the hands and arms. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms in your hands or feet, it may be due to peripheral neuropathy¹:

It’s more difficult for you to feel pain or changes in temperature
You’re dealing with sharp pains or cramping
Muscles seem weaker
Nerve damage is causing a sensitivity to touch
You’re suffering from a tingling or burning sensation
You start to experience foot ulcers, infections, or bone and joint damage

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following¹:

You notice a cut or sore on your foot that doesn’t seem to be healing
A burning or tingling in your feet or hands keeps you from performing normal activities or disturbs your sleep
Your digestion, urination, or sexual function has been affected
You feel dizzy and/or you’ve fainted

The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. These are some risk factors that can make nerve damage more likely:

Uncontrolled blood sugar
Kidney disease
Being overweight
Smoking

How to delay or help reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy

Closely monitor and control your blood glucose levels to help reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, take good care of your feet, including2:

Check your feet daily
Don’t go barefoot
Make sure to wash your feet every day
Wear shoes that fit well
Trim toenails straight across
Don’t remove corns and calluses yourself
Keep the blood flowing by wiggling your toes several times throughout the day
Choose feet-friendly activities like riding a bike or swimming

Consult your doctor about which activities are right for you.

References: 1. Mayo Clinic website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371587. Accessed January 11, 2024. 2. American Diabetes Association website. https://www2.diabetes.org/healthy-living/seniors/foot-care-tips. Accessed January 11, 2024.

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