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Symptoms of DPN

What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by long-term high blood sugar levels, which causes nerve damage. Some people will not have any symptoms. But for others symptoms may be debilitating.

Between 60 and 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, affects the legs, feet, toes, hands, and arms.

Many people do not know that they have diabetes. People unaware of their diabetes may not know what’s causing some of the unusual sensations they’re experiencing.

What causes nerve damage?

Nerve damage is the result of high levels of blood glucose over long periods of time. It isn’t entirely clear why high glucose levels damage nerves.

A number of factors may play a role in nerve fiber damage. One possible component is the intricate interplay between the blood vessels and nerves, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other factors include high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and nerve inflammation.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy usually first appears in the feet and legs, and may occur in the hands and arms later.

Feeling numbness

A common symptom of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is numbness. Sometimes you may be unable to feel your feet while walking.

Other times, your hands or feet will tingle or burn. Or it may feel like you’re wearing a sock or glove when you’re not.

Shooting pain

Sometimes you may experience sudden, sharp pains that feel like an electrical current. Other times, you may feel cramping, like when you’re grasping something like a piece of silverware.

You also may sometimes unintentionally drop items you’re holding as a result of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Loss of balance

Walking with a wobbly motion or even losing your balance can result from diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Wearing orthopedic shoes often helps with this.

Loss of coordination is a common sign of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Often, muscle weakness affects the ankle, which can affect your gait. Numbness in the feet can also contribute to loss of balance.