Diabetes isn’t the only problem that can develop as a result of high blood sugar.
Nerve pain that comes along with a diagnosis ofdiabetesis referred to asdiabetic neuropathy.
Many types of neuropathy exist, but this particular variety results from uncontrolled diabetes.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
It can cause pain, numbness, and burning or tingling sensations.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
What Is Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain, orneuropathic pain, is due to damage to a nerve.
Neuropathy (nerve damage) can result from injuries,infections, or various conditions.
When diabetes is the cause, neuropathy develops fromhigh blood sugarover long periods of time.
Injuries or Infection
Several types of injuries can lead to physical damage to yournerves or nervous system.
Numerous symptoms can appear when there is a disruption in this supply chain.
All of these can contribute to diabetic nerve pain.
Autoimmune diseases can also cause the body to attack its own tissues, including nerve fibers.
Diabetes can impact your metabolism and related systems, causing a number of issues.
Is Nerve Pain a Symptom of Diabetes?
Nerve pain isn’t a direct symptom of diabetes; it’s acomplicationofuncontrolled blood sugar.
Over time, high blood sugar and fats in your blood from diabetes cause nerve pain.
Up to 50% of people with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy.
Treatments and Management of Nerve Pain
Most people who develop diabetic neuropathy only experience mild numbness.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is the first step in treating nerve pain from diabetes.
Managing your diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels can help prevent this complication from developing.
Some medications and therapies may also help relieve nerve pain.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral neuropathy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is diabetic neuropathy?
Bodman MA, Varacallo M.Peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Effectiveness of treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
