High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves in your body. This means the nutrients your nerves need to function can’t get through and the nerve fibres are then damaged or disappear.
This can cause a number of problems, including foot complications from sensory neuropathy.
There are other types of neuropathy caused by diabetes, which affect the nerves carrying information to your organs and glands and also to the nerves that control movement.
Symptoms can include:
- problems with digestion
- loss of bladder control
- erectile dysfunction
- muscle weakness (causing falls)
- muscle wasting
- muscle twitching and cramps
There is more information about the different types of neuropathy, its treatment and prevention on the Diabetes UK website: