What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a type of nerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes. It most commonly affects the nerves in the feet and legs, and can cause pain, numbness, and other debilitating symptoms.
What Causes DPN?
Several factors related to diabetes contribute to nerve damage over time.
Nerve Damage from Diabetes
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels damage the delicate nerve fibers throughout the body, particularly in the extremities.
Reduced Circulation
Diabetes can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the nerves and depriving them of essential oxygen and nutrients.
Long-Term Elevated Blood Sugar
Sustained high glucose levels create a toxic environment for nerve cells, leading to progressive damage over time.
Loss of Nerve Function
As damage accumulates, nerves lose their ability to properly transmit signals, resulting in pain, numbness, and other symptoms.
Common Symptoms of DPN
Symptoms typically begin in the feet and may progress to the legs and hands.
Burning Pain
A persistent burning sensation, often worse at night
Tingling
Pins-and-needles feeling in the feet and toes
Numbness
Loss of feeling that can lead to undetected injuries
Shooting Pain
Sudden, sharp pain radiating through the extremities
Loss of Sensation
Reduced ability to feel temperature or touch
Balance Problems
Difficulty walking and increased risk of falls
Who Is Affected by DPN?
Over 30 million Americans are living with diabetes, and approximately half will develop some form of peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms typically begin in the feet and can progress to the legs, hands, and arms.
DPN is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations and significantly impacts quality of life.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients are at risk, with risk increasing with duration of diabetes.
Americans with Diabetes
Develop Neuropathy
Cause of Non-Traumatic Amputations
Experience Foot Symptoms First