Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves. When this happens in the feet, it can change how they feel and make small injuries easy to miss.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes four main types of diabetic nerve damage, and a person can have more than one. The most common type is peripheral neuropathy, which usually starts in the feet and can also affect the hands, legs and arms. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that high blood glucose and high triglyceride levels over time can damage nerves.
Signs in the feet
- Tingling or prickling
- Pain or heightened sensitivity, especially at night
- Numbness or weakness
- Foot problems such as ulcers, infections, and bone or joint pain
Numbness is risky because it can keep you from noticing cuts, blisters or sores, which can lead to infection.
Who is at higher risk?
The CDC lists high blood sugar, having diabetes for many years, overweight or obesity, being over 40, and high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How to protect your feet
- Keep blood sugar well managed. The CDC says this can prevent or delay nerve damage
- Check your feet every day, using a mirror or a helper if needed. Our daily foot check guide walks through the steps
- Go to all of your medical appointments
- Get regular foot and eye exams
The CDC notes that checking and caring for your feet can, in some cases, prevent amputation.
When to call your doctor
The CDC advises calling your doctor for a foot cut or sore that is infected or will not heal, and for burning, tingling, weakness or pain in the hands or feet that interferes with daily activities or sleep. Also call for changes in digestion, urination or sexual function, and for dizziness or fainting.
A foot specialist is part of the team
A podiatrist can check sensation and circulation, look at your skin and nails, and recommend shoes and inserts that reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
Sources
- Nerve Damage, Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab)
- Diabetic Neuropathy, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH) (opens in a new tab)
- Your Feet and Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab)
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam or personal medical advice. If you have foot or ankle pain, an injury, or any of the warning signs above, request an appointment or call 407-360-9990 to be seen at our Orlando or DeLand office.
Learn more about our podiatry services and the conditions we treat.