High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a common health problem associated with diabetes. When blood glucose levels remain high for long periods, they can damage nerves throughout the body.
One of the most common complications caused by this damage is diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves, especially in the legs, feet, and hands.
Health experts estimate that about half of people with diabetes develop some form of nerve damage over time. However, good blood sugar control, healthy eating, and regular exercise can help prevent or slow the progression of this condition.
Doctors say there are several warning signs that may indicate high blood sugar and nerve damage. Here are four important symptoms to watch out for.
1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage in Hands and Feet)
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic nerve damage. It mainly affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Symptoms usually develop slowly and may become more noticeable at night.
Common signs include:
Burning or tingling sensations in the feet or hands
Numbness or reduced ability to feel heat and cold
Muscle cramps and pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch, where even bedsheets may feel uncomfortable
Foot infections, ulcers, or joint damage in severe cases
If left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to serious complications, including foot injuries that may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation.
2. Autonomic Neuropathy (Damage to Internal Nerves)
The autonomic nervous system controls automatic body functions such as digestion, blood pressure, bladder control, and sexual response. High blood sugar can damage these nerves and cause several symptoms.
Possible signs include:
Dizziness or fainting when standing up (due to low blood pressure)
Digestive problems such as nausea, bloating, or delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
Bladder or bowel control problems
Excessive sweating or reduced sweating
Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life if not properly managed.
3. Proximal Neuropathy (Nerve Damage in the Hips and Thighs)
Proximal neuropathy, also called diabetic polyradiculopathy, is less common but can be very painful. It affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the chest or stomach.
Symptoms may include:
Severe pain in the hips, thighs, or lower back
Weakness in the thigh muscles
Difficulty standing up from a sitting position
Pain in the abdomen or chest
This condition often starts on one side of the body but can spread over time.
4. Focal Neuropathy (Damage to a Single Nerve)
Focal neuropathy, also known as mononeuropathy, occurs when damage affects a specific nerve. This type can develop suddenly and often affects nerves in the head, torso, arm, or leg.
Symptoms may include:
Double vision or difficulty focusing
Facial paralysis on one side of the face
Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand
Weakness that causes objects to slip from the hands
Pain in the shin or foot drop (difficulty lifting the front part of the foot)
When to See a Doctor
Doctors recommend seeking medical attention if you experience:
Foot wounds that do not heal or appear infected
Persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
Changes in bladder, bowel, or sexual function
Frequent dizziness or fainting
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes be screened for nerve damage soon after diagnosis, while those with type 1 diabetes should begin screening five years after diagnosis. Regular yearly checkups are also advised.
High blood sugar often develops silently, and many people may not notice symptoms until complications begin. Recognizing early warning signs and maintaining proper blood sugar control can help prevent serious health problems and improve overall quality of life.