Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body can’t use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to stay too high.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage many parts of the body, including the nerves.
This kind of nerve damage is called diabetic neuropathy, and it is one of the most common complications of diabetes.
One of the main symptoms of this nerve damage is pain—often described as burning, tingling, or stabbing—and it can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.
Nerve pain from type 2 diabetes usually starts in the feet or legs and may later affect the hands and arms. This is called peripheral neuropathy. People often feel numbness, weakness, or sensitivity to touch in the affected areas.
Sometimes, even the weight of a bedsheet can feel painful. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 50% of people with diabetes will develop some form of nerve damage during their lifetime, and many will experience nerve pain as a result.
The reason high blood sugar causes nerve pain is because it harms the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. When nerves don’t get enough oxygen, they become damaged and stop working properly.
In addition, high blood sugar can create inflammation and lead to chemical changes in the nerves themselves, which makes them more sensitive and more likely to send pain signals. A study published in Diabetes Care showed that people with poor blood sugar control had a much higher risk of developing painful neuropathy compared to those with stable blood sugar levels.
There is strong scientific evidence linking type 2 diabetes to nerve pain. For example, a large European study called the MONICA/KORA survey found that people with diabetes were three times more likely to have nerve pain than those without diabetes.
Other studies confirm that the longer someone has diabetes and the worse their blood sugar control is, the higher the chance of developing nerve-related pain.
Nerve pain caused by diabetes isn’t just uncomfortable—it can interfere with sleep, walking, working, and everyday tasks. It can also lead to emotional struggles such as depression or anxiety. This is why it’s so important to detect it early and treat it properly.
Treatment for diabetic nerve pain usually starts with controlling blood sugar levels. Research shows that keeping blood sugar within a healthy range can slow the progression of nerve damage and reduce symptoms. However, even with good control, some people still experience pain.
That’s why doctors may also prescribe medications specifically for nerve pain. These include certain antidepressants (like duloxetine), anti-seizure drugs (like pregabalin or gabapentin), and topical treatments such as capsaicin cream. These medicines don’t cure the damage but can help reduce pain signals from the nerves.
In some cases, lifestyle changes can also help. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking may improve blood flow and reduce pain. Some studies also suggest that acupuncture and certain supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid, may help, although more research is needed to confirm how effective these are.
In conclusion, yes—type 2 diabetes can definitely cause nerve pain. The longer someone has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar is, the more likely they are to experience this type of pain.
While nerve damage from diabetes can’t always be reversed, proper treatment and good blood sugar control can reduce the pain and help people live more comfortably. If someone with diabetes starts to feel tingling, burning, or numbness in their feet or hands, it’s important to talk to a doctor early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that flaxseed oil is more beneficial than fish oil to people with diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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