What happens to the nerves?
Our nerves constantly send messages between the brain and the rest of the body. They tell us when something hurts, when something is hot, and even when we touch something.
High blood glucose over a long period of time can interfere with those nerves and the tiny blood vessels that support them. This can eventually lead to diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that affects many people with diabetes. The most common form, peripheral neuropathy, usually starts in the feet and legs and can later affect the hands and arms.
When the nerves start sending the wrong signals
Nerve damage does not always mean losing sensation. Sometimes, it can actually make things hurt more. When damaged nerves send unusual signals to the brain, a person may feel pain even when there is no obvious injury. They might describe the pain as burning, tingling, sharp, or shooting. Even light touch can sometimes feel painful. At the same time, another part of the affected area may feel numb.
These symptoms can also make everyday activities harder. Walking, sleeping, or even having something that touches the affected area can be uncomfortable.
Treating nerve pain
There is not one treatment that works for everyone with diabetic nerve pain. Doctors may recommend medications that work on nerve signals, including certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants. The American Diabetes Association lists several of these medications as treatment options for painful diabetic neuropathy.
Pain management is only part of the picture though. Managing diabetes itself is also important. Keeping blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol at healthy levels can help protect the nerves and may slow further damage.
Numbness can be serious too
It might seem like losing feeling would be better than having constant pain, but numbness can create its own problems.
Someone who cannot fully feel their feet may not notice a small cut, blister, or other injury. If it goes unnoticed, the injury can become more serious. Diabetes can also make wounds harder to heal, which is why taking care of the feet is especially important for people with diabetes.
Nerve damage can affect more than the hands and feet, too. Diabetes can damage the autonomic nerves, which help control things like digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Looking beyond blood sugar
The connection between diabetes and nerve health is easy to overlook. Blood sugar may be the main focus when managing diabetes, but the effects of the condition can reach much further.
Learning to recognize symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or unexplained pain can help people bring them up with a healthcare provider earlier. For someone living with diabetes, protecting nerve health can be an important part of staying healthy and maintaining everyday quality of life.