Causes of Diabetic Nerve Pain

Nerve pain caused by diabetes can hurt. That stabbing, throbbing, piercing pain in your feet, legs, and hands can be the result of experiencing diabetic nerve pain. Your pain isn't an indication of emotional weakness, and it's more than a part of aging. It's a physical symptom of nerve damage.

Diabetic nerve damage can affect people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. No one yet knows exactly what causes the nerve damage. Having high blood sugar (glucose) levels over time is likely to be involved. While diabetic nerve pain can occur at any time, those who have had diabetes for a long time are more likely to develop the painful symptoms. People who have had problems controlling their blood sugar levels, have high blood pressure, are overweight, or are over the age of 40 may also have a greater risk of developing diabetes-related nerve damage.

The nerve damage due to diabetes is usually seen in the feet and legs and, less often, in the hands and arms. Damaged nerves can cause nonpainful symptoms (such as loss of feeling, numbness, or tingling) or painful symptoms (such as aching or burning). The damage can also cause the nervous system to become overly sensitive. Even very light touch or the slightest movement may trigger pain. Sometimes damaged nerves create pain messages with no apparent cause.

Fortunately, research has shown that diabetes patients may actually lessen the chance of further nerve damage through a combination of diet, exercise, and blood glucose management. And there are effective options for managing diabetic nerve pain, such as Cymbalta. Why not ask your doctor what you can do?