Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain

Nerves allow your body to feel temperature, pain, and other sensations. Over time, diabetes can harm nerves in the legs, feet, arms, or hands. The damaged nerves can be overly sensitive. The slightest movement or light touch of the skin can trigger pain. Healthcare providers call this diabetic nerve pain, or DNP.

Everyone experiences pain differently

Some people have pain but feel they must "push through it." Or they think that the pain is a sign of old age. Diabetic nerve pain is a real medical condition. The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is estimated to be 20% to 24%. It is also estimated that 10% to 20% of patients with diabetic nerve pain have pain severe enough to require treatment.

The symptoms of diabetic nerve pain may be constant or may come and go. They're often worse at night. Suddenly, everyday things that come in contact with the skin—such as bed sheets and socks—may be a source of pain.

Do any of these words describe your pain?

• Hot, burning
• Throbbing
• Tender
• Shooting
• Aching
• Cramping
• Stabbing

You may also feel non-painful symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in your feet or hands.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of diabetic nerve pain, assess how you are feeling with the Diabetic Nerve Pain Impact Tool. For more information about diabetic nerve pain, read about the causes of diabetic nerve pain.