Type 2 diabetes is known for causing high blood sugar levels, but many people don’t realize it can also lead to nerve pain.
This type of pain, known as diabetic neuropathy, is one of the most common complications of diabetes.
It affects nearly half of all people with type 2 diabetes over time. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it?
When blood sugar levels stay high for a long time, they can damage the small blood vessels that feed the nerves. Without enough blood flow, nerves begin to break down.
High sugar levels can also directly harm nerve cells, causing them to misfire or stop working altogether. This damage usually starts in the feet and legs and can later spread to the hands and arms.
The most common type of nerve damage in diabetes is called peripheral neuropathy. It often causes burning, tingling, stabbing, or shooting pain, especially at night. Some people describe it as feeling like pins and needles or having a constant ache.
Others may feel numbness, which can be just as dangerous because it makes it harder to notice injuries or infections.
A 2020 study published in the journal *Diabetes Care* found that about 25% of people with type 2 diabetes had painful neuropathy symptoms. The risk increased the longer a person had diabetes, especially if their blood sugar wasn’t well controlled.
The study also showed that nerve pain was more common in people who were overweight, had high blood pressure, or smoked—all of which can make nerve damage worse.
There are other types of nerve damage linked to diabetes, too. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control things like digestion, blood pressure, and bladder function.
Focal neuropathy can cause sudden pain or weakness in a single nerve, often in the face or leg. But for most people, the nerve pain that comes from diabetes starts slowly and worsens over time.
Controlling blood sugar is the most important way to prevent or slow down nerve damage. Research has shown that people who keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range are much less likely to develop nerve problems.
In addition to managing blood sugar, doctors often recommend regular foot checks, quitting smoking, staying active, and eating a balanced diet to support nerve health.
For those who already have nerve pain, treatment options are available. Some medications, like pregabalin (Lyrica) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), have been approved specifically to treat diabetic nerve pain.
These medicines help calm overactive nerves and reduce pain signals. Other treatments may include physical therapy, topical creams, or lifestyle changes to ease discomfort.
In short, nerve pain is a serious but common problem for people with type 2 diabetes. It’s caused by long-term damage to nerves from high blood sugar and poor blood flow. But with the right care—including good blood sugar control and treatment for pain—many people can find relief and protect their quality of life.
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