Diabetic Neuralgia

What is diabetic neuralgia?

Diabetic neuralgia is a serious and common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a type of nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. The condition usually develops slowly.

There are various types of diabetic neuropathy that affect different areas of body. If you have diabetes, it is important to regularly check your blood glucose levels and contact your doctor if have any symptoms of neuropathy.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuralgia?

It is common for symptoms of diabetic neuralgia to appear gradually. Symptoms vary depending on the areas affected.

Common symptoms of of diabetic neuralgia:

Numbness or pain in your hands or feet

Burning sensation in feet (especially at night)

Sensitivity to touch

Loss of sense of touch

Muscle weakness

Who is prone to diabetic neuralgia?

Current research shows that persons with longer duration of diabetes, elderly age and higher glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are more prone to diabetic neuralgia.

A person is also more likely to develop diabetic neuralgia if he/ she has diabetes and

is overweight

has high blood pressure

has high cholesterol

has advanced kidney disease

drinks too many alcoholic drinks

smokes

What causes diabetic neuralgia?

Diabetic neuralgia is caused by nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels over a long period of time. Other associated factors can also lead to nerve damage, such as:

Damage to the blood vessels caused by high cholesterol levels.

Mechanical injury, such as injuries caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol, etc.