Diabetic Neuropathy: What to Know from Head to Toe

Diabetic Neuropathy: What to Know from Head to Toe

From head to toe, every part of the human body contains nerves. Nerves send signals throughout the body telling us when and how to react to triggers such as temperature, sound, and pain. They also stimulate muscle cells that allow us to move and keep our hearts beating. Despite the saying, nobody has nerves made of steel -- nerves can be damaged.

Neuropathy is the technical term for nerve disease. When nerve disease is caused by high blood glucose, it's called diabetic neuropathy.

Risk Factors

Diabetic neuropathy can affect anyone with diabetes, but it is more common in people with these risk factors:

• had diabetes for 25 years or more
• poorly controlled blood glucose
• high blood pressure
• overweight
• high cholesterol

It's estimated that 60 - 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, making it one of the most common complications of diabetes.