Several types of neuropathy can develop as a complication of diabetes, the most common being peripheral neuropathy. This type of nerve dysfunction starts in the feet and legs first, before manifesting in the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, although they can be just as severe during the day.

The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

-Numbness
-Reduced ability to feel pain/temperature changes
-Tingling or burning feeling (paresthesia)
-Sharp pains or cramps
-Muscle weakness
-Extreme sensitivity to touch—even the slightest touch can be painful
-Serious foot problems, such as:
-Ulcers
-Infections
-Bone and joint damage

The exact cause of peripheral neuropathy, as well as all other types of neuropathy, is unknown. Current knowledge suggests a link between uncontrolled high blood sugar and damage to the nerves and their ability to send signals. Anyone who has diabetes can develop neuropathy. However, these risk factors increase the likelihood of nerve damage:

Poor Blood Sugar Control — Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of every diabetes complication, including nerve damage and nerve-related dysfunction.

Diabetes History — The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk for neuropathy is, especially if blood sugar is not well controlled.

Kidney Disease — Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which can allow toxins into the blood, potentially leading to nerve damage.

Being Overweight — Having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more may increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy; for example, a person 5’9” tall who weighs 170 pounds has a BMI of 25.

Smoking — Tobacco smoke narrows and hardens the arteries. This limits the blood flow to the legs and feet, making it more difficult for wounds to heal and causing damage to the peripheral nerves.

Diabetic neuropathy is a general term used to refer to any type of neuropathy that occurs as a result of diabetes or alongside diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, which can be a type of diabetic neuropathy, is nerve damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. In summary, diabetic neuropathy is any type of neuropathy affecting a diabetic person, and peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage of the peripheral nerves, which can also affect people with diabetes.

Technically speaking, diabetic neuropathy is reversible if diabetes is cured and symptoms begin to enter remission. However, peripheral neuropathy can cause irreversible damage to the nerves, limiting their ability to transmit signals and information, which can result in tingling, numbness, pain, and improper temperature regulation, among other symptoms. In the case of permanent damage, diabetic peripheral damage is not reversible; even if diabetes goes away, the nerve damage is left behind, which can limit function.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing peripheral neuropathic symptoms, trust the spine specialists at Global Neuro & Spine to help you on the road to recovery. Contact us today to book an appointment with our diabetic peripheral neuropathy specialist, or visit one of our six Florida locations. We serve patients from all across the Sunshine State, in Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Palm Bay FL, Malabar FL, Melbourne Village FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, Fort Pierce South FL, White City FL, Plantation / Ft. Lauderdale FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL and surrounding areas.