Diabetic Neuropathy: Understanding Diabetes-Related Nerve Damage
Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 2 February 2026 · Next review June 2027
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can develop as a complication of diabetes. Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can harm nerves throughout the body, most commonly those in the feet and legs. It is one of the more common complications of diabetes and can range from mild and barely noticeable to significantly painful and disabling. It can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and sometimes the damage develops quietly over years before symptoms become obvious.
Types and symptoms
There are several forms, but the most common is peripheral neuropathy, affecting the extremities. Symptoms often start in the feet and may include:
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature
- Tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation
- Burning, shooting or stabbing pain, often worse at night
- Weakness or loss of balance
- Increased sensitivity to touch
Other forms can affect digestion, the heart rate, blood pressure and other body systems. Our nerve pain explained guide describes how this type of pain develops.
Why it happens
High blood sugar over time can damage both the nerves themselves and the small blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. Several factors increase the risk:
- Long duration of diabetes
- Poorly controlled blood sugar
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Smoking and excess alcohol
Why blood sugar control matters
The single most important step in preventing and slowing diabetic neuropathy is good control of blood sugar, alongside blood pressure and cholesterol. While existing nerve damage may not fully reverse, keeping levels in a healthy range can prevent it from worsening and reduce the risk to other parts of the body. This makes working closely with a diabetes team central to management.
Foot care: a special priority
Because reduced sensation can mean injuries go unnoticed, foot care is vital:
- Check feet daily for cuts, blisters or changes
- Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid going barefoot
- Keep skin moisturised and nails well maintained
- Attend regular foot reviews with a healthcare professional
- Seek prompt advice for any wound that is slow to heal
Managing nerve pain
When diabetic neuropathy causes pain, several approaches may help.
Medicines
Ordinary painkillers often have limited effect on nerve pain. Doctors may consider medicines that act on the nervous system, such as duloxetine or pregabalin, both of which are commonly used for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin is a controlled medicine and should never be stopped abruptly. You can read our Pregabalin guide and explore the pregabalin range and wider pain range, always with medical supervision.
Other support
- Physiotherapy to help with balance and mobility
- Specialist pain services for difficult cases
- Attention to mood, since chronic pain and low mood often go together
The role of lifestyle
Beyond medicines, a healthy lifestyle supports nerve health. Regular physical activity within your abilities, a balanced diet, not smoking and keeping alcohol within sensible limits all help, both by improving diabetes control and by protecting the blood vessels that supply the nerves. Small, sustainable changes tend to work better than drastic short-lived efforts.
Living with diabetic neuropathy
A combined approach of good diabetes control, careful foot care, appropriate pain management and a healthy lifestyle gives the best outlook. Regular reviews help catch problems early, and attending your scheduled diabetes and foot checks is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do. Many people continue to lead active, fulfilling lives by staying on top of these basics and seeking advice promptly when something changes.
When to seek help
See your doctor if you notice numbness, tingling or pain in your feet or hands, any foot wound that is slow to heal, or symptoms affecting digestion, balance or blood pressure. Early action protects your nerves and your feet. Browse our shop all range, but seek professional advice before starting any treatment.
General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.
Frequently asked questions
Can diabetic neuropathy be reversed?+
Existing nerve damage may not fully reverse, but good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can prevent it from worsening and protect other nerves. This is why working closely with your diabetes team is so important.
Why is foot care so important with diabetic neuropathy?+
Reduced sensation means cuts, blisters or wounds can go unnoticed and develop into serious problems. Daily foot checks, well-fitting shoes, regular foot reviews and prompt attention to any wound help prevent complications.
What medicines are used for diabetic nerve pain?+
Ordinary painkillers often help little, so doctors may consider medicines that act on the nervous system such as duloxetine or pregabalin. Pregabalin is controlled and must never be stopped abruptly, so use should always be supervised.
What is the most important thing I can do for diabetic neuropathy?+
Good blood sugar control is the single most important step, along with managing blood pressure and cholesterol and not smoking. This helps prevent the nerve damage from progressing and reduces the risk to other parts of the body.
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