The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary. Numbness and tingling in one or both feet are often the first signs. Some people notice no symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Neuropathy may cause both pain and insensitivity to pain in the same person. Often, symptoms are slight at first, and since most nerve damage occurs over a period of years, mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. A healthcare provider may prescribe an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. These medications may relieve symptoms, but will not halt the progression of neuropathy.
An international group of experts in DN held a consensus meeting to develop guidelines for the management of diabetic neuropathy by the practicing clinician. The agreed stages of DN are shown here.
The symptoms of neuropathy also depend on which nerves and what part of the body is affected. Neuropathy may be diffuse, affecting many parts of the body, or focal, affecting a single, specific nerve and part of the body.
The two categories of diffuse neuropathy are peripheral neuropathy, affecting the feet and hands, and autonomic neuropathy, affecting the internal organs.
Diabetic Neuropathy Can Affect Virtually Every Part of the Body2
A healthcare provider can diagnose neuropathy based on symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, the healthcare provider may check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to position, vibration, temperature, and light touch. Sometimes special tests are also used to help determine the cause of symptoms and to suggest treatment. These include:
DN Symptoms & Diagnosing
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary. Numbness and tingling in one or both feet are often the first signs. Some people notice no symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Neuropathy may cause both pain and insensitivity to pain in the same person. Often, symptoms are slight at first, and since most nerve damage occurs over a period of years, mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. A healthcare provider may prescribe an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. These medications may relieve symptoms, but will not halt the progression of neuropathy.
Symptoms vary from each patient and may include:7
An international group of experts in DN held a consensus meeting to develop guidelines for the management of diabetic neuropathy by the practicing clinician. The agreed stages of DN are shown here.
Major Types of Neuropathy2
The symptoms of neuropathy also depend on which nerves and what part of the body is affected. Neuropathy may be diffuse, affecting many parts of the body, or focal, affecting a single, specific nerve and part of the body.
Diffuse Neuropathy2
The two categories of diffuse neuropathy are peripheral neuropathy, affecting the feet and hands, and autonomic neuropathy, affecting the internal organs.
Diabetic Neuropathy Can Affect Virtually Every Part of the Body2
Diffuse (Autonomic) neuropathy:
Focal neuropathy:
How is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed?2
A healthcare provider can diagnose neuropathy based on symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, the healthcare provider may check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to position, vibration, temperature, and light touch. Sometimes special tests are also used to help determine the cause of symptoms and to suggest treatment. These include:
Back to Top