Information for Caregivers
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. People who have had problems controlling their blood sugar levels, have high blood pressure, are overweight, or have had diabetes for at least 25 years may also have a greater risk of developing diabetes-related nerve damage.
Fortunately, studies have shown that patients with diabetes may lessen the chance of further nerve damage through a combination of diet, exercise, and improved control of blood sugar. Some ways you can play a role in helping your loved one manage their diabetes and blood sugar include:
- if they're able, and they have their physician's recommendation, help them incorporate moderate exercise or activity
- recommending healthy food choices to help them maintain or achieve a healthy weight
Your support is vital, and your loved one will appreciate your kindness and compassion.
Tools and Resources
Use the tools and resources below to help your loved one with diabetic nerve pain.
- Diabetic Nerve Pain Impact Tool helps him or her understand and identify symptoms they may be experiencing by allowing them to select, rate, and print out a list of symptoms to bring to his or her doctor
- Patient Stories lets you hear from patients about their experience with diabetic nerve pain
- Receive Mail for information on diabetic nerve pain, tips on talking with a doctor, and patient stories
- Glossary of relevant terms found on this site
Where Your Loved One Can Find Support
American Diabetes Association
Nonprofit health organization founded in 1940 providing diabetes research, information, and advocacy.
www.diabetes.org
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
An agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for medical research.
www.nih.gov
The Neuropathy Association
Information and advocacy to better understand neurological disorders known as neuropathies.
www.neuropathy.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Diabetes Translation
A division of the CDC, dedicated to diabetes research.
www.cdc.gov/diabetes
National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)
Partnered with the NIH and the CDC, this organization works to reduce the negative impact of living with diabetes.
www.ndep.nih.gov
American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Providing foot health information to the public.
www.apma.org
Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP)
A prevention program designed to reduce the occurrence of amputations of the toes, feet, or legs in patients with diabetes.
http://www.hrsa.gov/leap
