Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Can Do Today

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar. It usually affects the feet and legs first, then the hands. If you feel numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pains, that's often how DPN shows up. Catching changes early and acting right away cuts the risk of wounds, infections, and long-term loss of feeling.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can be subtle at first. You might notice tingling, pins-and-needles, or a burning pain in the toes or soles. Some people feel a loss of balance or have trouble walking. Others report increased sensitivity—light touch feels painful. Autonomic nerves may be affected too, causing dizziness when standing, digestive issues, or even problems with sweating. Keep track of new or worsening sensations and bring them to your clinician.

How Doctors Check It

Diagnosis often starts with a physical exam of reflexes, strength, and sensation. Simple bedside tests—like using a tuning fork, pinprick, or monofilament—spot loss of feeling in the feet. Your doctor may order blood tests to check blood sugar control, vitamin levels, or thyroid issues. In unclear cases, nerve conduction studies or EMG can measure how well nerves send signals.

Practical Management Tips

Control blood sugar. Tight glucose control slows progression—small, steady improvements matter more than drastic swings. For pain relief, common medicines include gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or topical lidocaine patches. Each option has pros and cons, so talk with your provider about side effects and how they fit your life.

Foot care is non-negotiable. Inspect your feet daily, wear well-fitting shoes, and trim nails carefully. If you have numb spots, avoid walking barefoot. Treat even minor cuts quickly—poor sensation can hide infections. Regular foot checks by a podiatrist lower amputation risk.

Lifestyle changes help beyond glucose control. Low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) improves circulation and balance. Quit smoking and limit alcohol—both make nerve damage worse. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on nerves and joints.

Consider physical therapy for balance and strength training. Some people find relief from complementary approaches like acupuncture or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Always run these by your clinician so they fit safely with your care plan.

When to see help? If you notice new numbness, open sores, unexplained pain, or changes in bladder or digestion, get evaluated promptly. Early treatment prevents complications and improves quality of life.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is common, but you can limit its impact. Stay on top of blood sugar, protect your feet, manage pain with medical help, and make lifestyle moves that support nerve health. Small daily steps add up to big protection.