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.
Many People Experience Diabetic Nerve Pain
Some people have pain but feel they must "push through it." Or they think the pain is a sign of old age. Diabetic nerve pain is a real medical condition. The prevalence of DNP is estimated to be 20% to 24% among patients with diabetes. It is also estimated that 10% to 20% of patients with DNP have pain severe enough to require treatment.
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.
