Nerve Damage & Diabetes: A Patient-Friendly Guide

If you have diabetes, high blood sugar over time can affect many parts of your body — including your nerves.

This guide explains:

✔ What nerve damage is
✔ How it can show up
✔ What increases your risk
✔ Ways to help protect your nerves and improve comfort

What Is Diabetic Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)?

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage. When nerves are injured or don’t work well, you may feel:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Pain
• Weakness

Diabetic nerve damage usually develops slowly over time.

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Why Diabetes Can Hurt Your Nerves

High blood sugar can:

• Damage tiny blood vessels that supply nerves
  • Make nerves more sensitive to injury
  • Slow how fast nerves send messages

Chronic high glucose creates stress on the nervous system and can eventually interfere with how nerves function.

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Common Types of Nerve Damage in Diabetes

🦶 Peripheral Neuropathy

This is the most common type.

Symptoms may include:

✔ Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
✔ Burning or sharp pain
✔ Loss of feeling
✔ Difficulty sensing temperature or touch

This usually starts in the toes and moves up the legs or arms.

🍽 Autonomic Neuropathy

This affects nerves that control automatic body functions like:

• Digestion
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Bladder control

Symptoms might include:

✔ Feeling full quickly
✔ Dizziness when standing
✔ Constipation or diarrhea
✔ Urinary problems

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Who Is More at Risk?

Nerve damage is more likely if you:

• Have had diabetes for many years
• Struggle to keep blood sugar in target range
• Smoke
• Have high blood pressure
• Are overweight
• Have high cholesterol

Risk increases when several factors occur together.

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Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

Peripheral Signs

✔ Numbness or prickling sensations

✔ Pain, especially at night

✔ Loss of balance

✔ Feet feel hot or cold differently

Autonomic Signs

✔ Nausea, vomiting

✔ Indigestion or bloating

✔ Constipation or diarrhea

✔ Dizziness when standing

✔ Erectile/sexual dysfunction

✔ Changes in sweating

If you notice any of these, talk to your healthcare team — early detection can help manage symptoms.

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Ways to Protect Your Nerves

📌 Keep Blood Sugar in Target Range

High blood sugar is the main driver of nerve damage.

✔ Monitor as advised
✔ Eat balanced meals
✔ Take medications as prescribed

Keeping glucose stable reduces stress on nerves.

🧍‍♀️ Stay Active

Movement helps:

✔ Improve circulation
✔ Support nerve health
✔ Reduce pain perception

Aim for consistent activity, as approved by your healthcare provider.

🍎 Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

A balanced diet supports overall nerve health by:

✔ Reducing inflammation
✔ Providing vitamins your nerves need
✔ Supporting healthy weight

🚭 Avoid Tobacco

Smoking harms blood vessels and reduces blood flow to nerves.

Quitting can help protect nerve function. Consult with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in smoking cessation support.

🎯 Control Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

High blood pressure and cholesterol further stress blood vessels that feed nerves.

✔ Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider
✔ Follow lifestyle recommendations from your healthcare provider

🤲 Check Your Feet Daily

Minor injuries can go unnoticed if sensation is reduced.

Look for:

✔ Cuts
✔ Blisters
✔ Redness
✔ Swelling

Early action prevents infections.

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Managing Symptoms

Your healthcare team might recommend:

• Medications for nerve pain
• Physical therapy
• Supplements (if appropriate)
• Lifestyle strategies

Talk with your provider about what’s right for you.

Always consult with your healthcare provider first before starting any new medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products, starting any new exercises, or making any significant dietary modifications.

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When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Seek medical help if you have:

✔ Persistent increasing pain
✔ Loss of feeling in feet or hands
✔ Signs of infection
✔ Dizziness or trouble walking
✔ Problems controlling bladder or digestion

Prompt care reduces complications.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

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Medical Disclaimer

This resource is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should consult their physician, endocrinologist, certified diabetes educator, or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to medications, diet, or activity. Always follow individualized healthcare guidance and report any concerning symptoms promptly to your healthcare team. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

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Sources:

• https://dtrfjjta7w1en.cloudfront.net/media/uploads/Diabetes-Resources/Nerve-Damage-and-Diabetes.pdf