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Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Diabetic Nerve Pain) 

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that occurs when high blood sugar levels over time damage the nerves, most often affecting the feet and legs. When this nerve damage causes ongoing discomfort, burning, or painful sensations, it is known as painful diabetic neuropathy. 

Diabetic nerve pain can significantly impact sleep, mobility, and quality of life. At Fortera Health, we evaluate the severity and source of your symptoms to help develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain and improving daily function. 

Common Symptoms 

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms most commonly begin in the feet and may gradually progress upward. Symptoms may include: 

  • Burning, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations in the feet or legs 
  • Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain 
  • Numbness or decreased sensation in the feet 
  • Increased sensitivity to touch, such as discomfort from clothing or bedsheets 
  • Feeling like you are walking on something soft or uneven 
  • Balance problems or difficulty walking 
  • Symptoms that become worse at night and interfere with sleep 

Because neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, some patients may not notice injuries, cuts, or irritation, increasing the risk of foot complications. 

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy? 

Diabetic neuropathy develops when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels and nerves that supply sensation throughout the body. 

Factors that may increase the risk of developing diabetic nerve pain include: 

  • Long-standing diabetes 
  • Poor blood sugar control 
  • Age-related changes 
  • Excess weight 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Kidney disease 
  • Cardiovascular disease 
  • Other conditions that affect nerve health 

Over time, nerve damage can affect how the body sends and processes pain signals, leading to persistent symptoms. 

How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed? 

Diagnosis is primarily based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Your provider will evaluate sensation, reflexes, strength, and areas of discomfort. 

Additional testing may include: 

  • Sensory testing to evaluate nerve function 
  • Foot examinations to assess protective sensation and risk of injury 
  • Nerve conduction studies in select cases to evaluate nerve damage 
  • Additional blood work or testing when other causes of nerve symptoms need to be ruled out 

A thorough evaluation is important because numbness, tingling, and nerve pain can have multiple causes. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, improving function, and preventing complications. Options may include: 

  • Improving blood sugar management with your healthcare team 
  • Medications designed to treat nerve-related pain 
  • Topical treatments for localized discomfort 
  • Physical therapy and exercise programs to improve strength, balance, and mobility 
  • Lifestyle modifications that support overall nerve health 
  • Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with severe neuropathy pain that has not improved with other treatments 

For patients with persistent diabetic nerve pain, advanced therapies such as spinal cord stimulation may provide meaningful relief by changing how pain signals are processed by the nervous system. 

At Fortera Health, we understand that chronic nerve pain can affect more than just your physical comfort — it can impact sleep, independence, and everyday activities. Our team works with you to identify the right treatment approach to help improve your quality of life and restore function. 

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