Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, most commonly affecting the feet and legs. It is one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes and can significantly affect quality of life if not properly managed.
Common symptoms
- numbness or reduced sensation, particularly in the feet;
- tingling, burning, or shooting pain, often worse at night;
- increased sensitivity to touch or muscle weakness.
What we offer
- a thorough assessment of your symptoms and a foot examination;
- review of your diabetes control;
- a personalised plan combining blood sugar optimisation with pain management where needed.
Symptoms and assessment
Diabetic neuropathy may cause burning, tingling, numbness, electric-shock pain, altered temperature sensation, balance problems or unnoticed foot injury. Assessment considers the pattern and timing of symptoms, glucose history, medicines, alcohol, vitamin B12, thyroid function, kidney health and other possible causes of nerve symptoms.
Treatment and foot protection
Management focuses on safer glucose control, treatment of contributory causes, appropriate pain medicines and daily foot protection. Reduced sensation means injuries may not hurt, so regular foot checks, suitable footwear and prompt assessment of redness, blistering, ulceration or infection are important.
UK-wide video consultations
Symptoms, results and treatment options can often be reviewed securely by video, but foot examination, circulation assessment and nerve testing require local or in-person care. Sudden one-sided weakness, facial droop or speech disturbance is not typical diabetic neuropathy and requires emergency assessment.