For a diabetic, numbness in the feet, hands and other areas of the body may be a symptom of diabetic neuropathies, or nerve disorders caused by diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), approximately 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes experience some form of neuropathy, with older patients being at higher risk for the disorder, along with people who have had diabetes for 25 years or longer. Causes of nerve damage vary, but may include high blood sugar levels, certain inherited traits, autoimmune factors that lead to inflammation in a diabetic’s nerves and lifestyle factors including smoking and alcohol use.

Diabetics should be aware of the symptoms of nerve damage, as left untreated, this damage can lead to pain and more severe problems. Early symptoms may include numbness, pain or tingling in the toes, feet, legs, hands and arms. People experiencing diabetic numbness should consult with their physicians as soon as possible.

 

Diabetic Foot Numbness

 

There are various types of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetics with numbness in the feet may have peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of diabetic nerve disorder. This type of nerve disorder usually first affects the feet and legs, eventually spreading to the hands and arms, and is characterized by loss of feeling or pain in these areas. In addition to diabetic numbness, symptoms may include  a tingling or burning sensation, sharp pains or cramps, or a loss of balance. Symptoms are often worse at night than during the day.

Doctors typically advise people with diabetes to have annual foot exams. The examining doctor may prick the foot with a pin or other devices to test for loss of feeling in the foot. It is important to diagnose and treat nerve damage in the feet, as numbness in the feet may prevent diabetics from noticing sores or injuries, leading to these injuries becoming ulcerated or infected.

 

Treating Diabetic Numbness

 

As with many diabetes-related disorders, treating diabetic numbness begins with bringing a person’s blood glucose levels within a healthy range. This may involve monitoring blood glucose levels with a meter or sensor, modifying one’s diet, increasing physical activity and, when necessary, using diabetes medicines or insulin.

People with diabetes should take special care of their feet. Simple steps such as cleaning the feet daily with warm water and soap, regularly cutting the toenails, filing calluses with a pumice stone and consistently wearing socks, shoes or slippers can help to prevent injuries to the feet that may become infected or otherwise problematic. Diabetics should also check their feet and toes daily for cuts and other injuries that they may not feel due to numbness.

 

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