Diabetes can cause nerve damage, called neuropathy. There are different types of neuropathy but the most common in diabetics is sensory neuropathy. Sensory nerves carry messages of touch, pain, temperature and other sensations from the skin, bones and muscles to the brain. Damage to these nerves may lead to a loss of feeling in the feet. The main danger here is that you may not feel any pain, heat or cold in your feet. Thus a sore or cut on your foot could get worse and lead to an infection because you don't know it is there.

How does diabetes cause sensory neuropathy?

The exact way in which diabetes damages the nerves is still not known. One possibility is that it is a result of damage to small blood vessels, which prevent essential nutrients reaching the nerves. The nerve fibres then become damaged or disappear altogether. Good blood glucose control can reduce the risk of neuropathy developing, as well as good foot care and help with detection of problems.

Next >> Footcare

<< Back

|Learn about Diabetes|What is Diabetes|Symptoms of Diabetes|Diabetic myths|Screening for Diabetes|Types of Diabetes|Managing Type 1 Diabetes|Managing Type 2 Diabetes|Monitoring|Hyperglycaemia|Hypoglycaemia|
|Diabetic Diet|Diabetic Recipes|Complications with Diabetes|Further Information|Shop|