Diabetic neuropathy

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Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body.

Common symptoms are numbness, burning, pain, or tingling in the feet or legs, which can lead to serious problems with infected foot sores going unnoticed. Eventually, problems with dizziness, digestion (such as diarrhea or constipation), sexual function, bladder infections, and impotence can develop. Diabetic neuropathy can also develop suddenly and cause double vision, drooping eyelids, and weakened or wasting thigh muscles.

There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. Treatment includes consistently keeping blood sugar levels within a narrow and tightly controlled target range and taking good care of the feet to help prevent infections.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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