Diabetes and nerve damage Nerve damage can affect your hands, feet, legs, and arms. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy. You can prevent or slow the progression of the disease by keeping your blood sugar as close to your target range as possible and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Managing your blood sugar is an essential part of your diabetes care plan. Not only does it help you with your daily wellness, but it can help prevent serious health problems later on. Nerve damage is a possible complication of having high blood sugar levels for a long time. High blood sugar levels damage the nerves and the nerves may stop sending messages to different parts of the body. Nerve damage can cause health problems, from mild numbness to pain that makes normal activities difficult. Half of people with diabetes have nerve damage. The good news is that you can help prevent or delay them by keeping your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible. When you do, you’ll also have more energy and feel better! Symptoms of nerve damage usually come on slowly, so it’s important to notice your symptoms early so you can take action to prevent them from getting worse. Types of nerve damage There are four main types of nerve damage. You can have more than one type. The symptoms depend on the type of nerve damage you have and which nerves are affected. Peripheral nerve damage Have you had a “pins and needles” or tingling sensation in your feet? You may feel like you have socks or gloves on, even though you don’t. The feet could be very sensitive to the touch, even a sheet can make them hurt. These are all symptoms of peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral nerve damage affects the hands, feet, legs, and arms and is the most common type of nerve damage in people with diabetes. They usually start in the feet, often in both feet at the same time. Other symptoms may include: Pain or increased sensitivity, especially at night.Numbness or weakness.Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain.You may not feel pressure or lesions that cause blisters or sores, which can lead to infections, sores that don’t heal, or ulcers. Sometimes it is necessary to amputate (remove the part by means of an operation). Finding and treating foot problems can reduce your chances of developing a serious infection. Nerve Damage and Digestion Nerve damage can cause muscles in the digestive tract to stop working. Learn more about how diabetes can affect your digestion. Autonomic nerve damage Damage to the autonomic nerves affects the heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sexual organs, or eyes. Symptoms may include: Bladder or bowel problems that could cause urine leakage, constipation, or diarrhea.Nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.Changes in how the eyes adjust from light to dark.Reduced sexual response, including problems getting erections in men or vaginal dryness in women.Damage to proximal nervesProximal nerve damage affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs. They can also affect the stomach and chest area. Symptoms may include: Severe pain in the hip and thigh or buttock.Problems standing up from a sitting position.Severe stomach pain.Focal nerve damageFocal nerve damage affects individual nerves, most often in a hand, head, torso, or leg. Symptoms may include: Trouble focusing your eyes or having double vision.Pains behind one eye.Not being able to move one side of the face (Bell’s palsy).Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers.Weakness in the hand that could cause you to drop things.Take note if you have any of these symptoms and share them with your doctor. Risk factors for nerve damage Nerve damage can occur in anyone with diabetes, but these factors increase your risk: Blood sugar levels that are difficult to manage.Having diabetes for a long time, especially if your blood sugar is often higher than your target range.Being overweight.Being over 40 years old.Have high blood pressure.Have high cholesterol. Tips for prevention; stop or delay nerve damage.Keeping your blood sugar as close to your target range as possible is the best way to help prevent or slow nerve damage. Other things you can do: Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the value set by your doctor).Get regular physical activity.Lose weight if you are overweight.Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.Quit smoking or don’t start.Follow a healthy eating planTake your medicines as directed by the doctor.When to see the doctorCall your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: A cut or sore on the foot that is infected or does not heal.Burning sensation, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands or feet that interferes with daily activities or sleep.Changes in digestion, urination, or sexual functioning.Dizziness or faintingMost people with diabetes can prevent serious complications caused by nerve damage. Regular foot care at home, going to medical appointments, and having your feet examined at every medical appointment will help prevent problems. Keep up with all your self-exams, exams, and appointments with a diabetes care calendar.