Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Diabetic neuropathy is a preventable condition caused by high blood sugar and fat levels that damage nerves and blood vessels in the body.
There are four types of diabetic neuropathy, each with their own symptoms: peripheral, proximal, autonomic, and mononeuropathy.
Catching symptoms early can slow or prevent further nerve damage and serious complications.
Did you know that diabetes can damage nerves in your body? Diabetic neuropathy affects up to 50% of people with diabetes, but there are ways to prevent the condition and manage symptoms if they develop. (1)
Read on to learn what causes diabetic neuropathy and how to protect yourself. You’ll learn which symptoms to look for and what treatment options are available.
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy can develop when high levels of sugar (hyperglycemia) and fats (hyperlipidemia) in the blood injure nerves and the small blood vessels that feed them. Over time, nerves accumulate damage and present symptoms.
There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy that can affect nerves in different parts of the body: (2)
Peripheral neuropathy: The most common type of neuropathy that affects sensation in the legs, feet, hands, and arms.
Proximal neuropathy: Also known as diabetic polyradiculopathy, this condition affects areas closer to the center of the body, including the thighs, hips, and stomach.
Autonomic neuropathy: A type of neuropathy that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls body functions like blood circulation and digestion.
Mononeuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects a single nerve and can involve the arms, legs, face, or torso.
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the type you’re experiencing. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may develop intense symptoms that severely impact quality of life. (2)
Peripheral Neuropathy
People with peripheral neuropathy typically experience symptoms in the legs and feet first. Over time, they may start to feel symptoms in their arms and hands. This is called a stocking-glove pattern. Symptoms can be worse at night and may include:
Tingling or burning sensations
Numbness to feeling, pain, or temperature
Sensitivity to light touch
Muscle weakness
Because peripheral neuropathy can dampen sensation, people often experience secondary issues. Altered or no sensation makes it difficult to catch injuries. Small pressure points or cuts can turn into ulcers (sores) that can become infected and have difficulty healing due to poor blood circulation in the area. Regular foot checks are recommended for people with peripheral neuropathy to catch injuries before they worsen.
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Proximal Neuropathy
Those with proximal neuropathy experience symptoms on one side of the body, although they can occasionally spread to the other. Symptoms may include:
Severe pain in the thigh, hip, or glute area
Pain in the chest or stomach area
Weakness in the thighs
Shrinking thigh muscles
Autonomic Neuropathy
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls automatic body functions vital to life. Autonomic neuropathy can have potentially dangerous symptoms, including:
Dizziness or fainting due to drops in blood pressure
High heart rate
Hypoglycemia unawareness (when the body masks warning symptoms of low blood sugar)
Upset stomach or vomiting from abnormally slow digestion
Unusual sweating patterns
Problems with sexual arousal
Trouble going to the bathroom
Mononeuropathy
Unlike other types of neuropathy, mononeuropathy affects a single nerve, so symptoms are more targeted. However, mononeuropathy can happen anywhere in the body and affect multiple body parts at the same time, in some cases. Symptoms depend on the nerve and the body part it connects to, but can include:
Double vision
Numbness or tingling in certain parts of the hand
Not being able to move one side of the face
Pain in specific parts of the thigh, shin, or foot
Weakness in performing specific movements of the arm, hand, leg, or foot
When to Talk to a Healthcare Professional
If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor can help better control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol (fat) levels. They may also suggest new treatment options to control your diabetic neuropathy. (2)
But don’t wait for symptoms to appear to take action. Since peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, watch your foot health carefully and schedule yearly foot exams with a podiatrist to check for signs or symptoms. People who are already presenting symptoms should schedule more frequent exams. (1)
Treatment Options for Neuropathy
Unfortunately, once you develop diabetic neuropathy symptoms, there is no cure. The goal of treatment is to slow the disease from getting worse and relieve symptoms. Depending on your type of neuropathy, your doctor may suggest: (2)
Adjusting insulin prescription to better control blood sugar
Changing your lifestyle to naturally improve blood lab results and blood pressure
Relieving nerve pain with anti-seizure or anti-depressant medications (like Lyrica, Pamelor, or Cymbalta)
Restoring bladder function by adjusting medications or placing a catheter
Improving digestion through diet changes or medication
Using a pump to improve pelvic blood flow for sex
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While diabetic neuropathy can contribute to erectile dysfunction, many men with diabetes also experience sexual performance issues due to other factors. (3) Some cases may respond well to medications for men’s sexual health. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction alongside your diabetes, ask your doctor what’s causing it and which treatments can help.
Total Diabetes Supply’s Rx program for men’s sexual health even offers online consultations with a licensed provider who can evaluate your needs and prescribe medication, if appropriate.
Bottom Line
Diabetic neuropathy can have a widespread impact on the body, but you can prevent it by monitoring your blood sugar and making healthy choices.
Talk to your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms to prevent them from worsening or creating secondary issues, like ulcers or infection. Your doctor may suggest treatment options that help control pain or restore function. If you need any products to help you manage symptoms, visit our shop at Total Diabetes Supply.
References
Peripheral neuropathy. (2025, August 12). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/peripheral-neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy - Symptoms & causes (2025, June 10). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580
Defeudis, G., Mazzilli, R., Tenuta, M., Rossini, G., Zamponi, V., Olana, S., Faggiano, A., Pozzilli, P., Isidori, A. M., & Gianfrilli, D. (2021). Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: A melting pot of circumstances and treatments. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 38(2), e3494. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3494
FAQs
What is the best treatment option for diabetic neuropathy symptoms?
The best treatment option for diabetic neuropathy depends on your health status and which type of neuropathy you’ve developed. Your doctor may suggest one or more approaches, including lifestyle changes to control blood sugar or medication to manage pain. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so your doctor will consider many factors before choosing the best approach for you.
Should you walk a lot with neuropathy?
People with diabetic neuropathy may benefit from walking for exercise, although you should always check with your doctor to see which exercises are most appropriate for you. For example, people with peripheral neuropathy should be cautious during exercise to protect their feet. They may need to choose the right socks and shoes that won’t cause skin irritation or injury. Those with active ulcers will need to be careful walking a lot to prevent worsening the wound or causing infection. Your doctor can help you build a physical activity regimen that fits your needs.
What should you not do if you have neuropathy?
People who have diabetic neuropathy shouldn’t ignore new or worsening symptoms. Nerve pain, weakness, and changes in body function may signal that blood glucose isn’t well controlled and require immediate attention from a healthcare professional. Ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications, including ulcers that can lead to amputation or fainting episodes that increase your risk of falls.
