What is Diabetic Neuropathic Pain?

Diabetic neuropathic pain is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to painful sensations.

Primary cause

• Elevated blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes
• This damages nerves gradually over time
  
  

Symptoms needing attention

• Numbness in the extremities
• Tingling sensations, particularly in hands and feet
• Burning pain, often in the hands and feet
  
  

How it’s identified

• A physical examination by a healthcare provider
• Review of the individual’s medical history
• Blood tests to assess blood sugar levels
• Possible nerve function tests to evaluate nerve damage
  
  

Non-surgical approaches to care

• Careful management of blood sugar levels
• Use of pain relievers available without a prescription
• Prescription anti-seizure medications
• Prescription antidepressant medications
  
  

More involved treatments

• Nerve blocks to alleviate pain signals
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Spinal cord stimulation
  
  

Overall objectives of care

• Alleviating pain experienced by the individual
• Preserving the function of the affected nerves
• Preventing further damage to the nerves