What is diabetic nerve pain? It is caused by peripheral neuropathy, when an excess of blood sugar in the body damages the nerves. For diabetes sufferers, this happens first in the hands, arms, legs and especially feet. Symptoms range from burning or tingling sensations, sudden and sharp pain, muscle weakness and numbness, extreme sensitivity, foot infections, and even loss of balance. The numbness that can occur is of special concern, because those with diabetic nerve pain and numb hands or feet often don’t know if there’s an infection or injury, because they can’t feel it. Those at the highest risk are people who have poorly managed diabetes and high blood sugar levels, especially if this has continued for many years. Diabetes sufferers who are overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, and who smoke or drink alcohol are at greater risk.
