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Debra Manzella, R.N.
Type 2 Diabetes Blog

By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com Guide to Type 2 Diabetes

Why Does Diabetes Make Feet Tingle?

Monday September 10, 2007

If you have had diabetes for a number of years, you may start to notice numbness or tingling in your lower legs or feet. What is neuropathy and what does it have to do with diabetes?

Neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes. Over many years, glucose can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the feet, lower legs and hands. Numbness and tingling, sensitivity to touch or muscle weakness may develop.

Diabetes is a progressive disease. Sometimes a person can keep great control over blood glucose levels, but neuropathy will still develop. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing neuropathy.

Read all about neuropathy, the types, the causes, and prevention...

Photo courtesy of Phil Boorman/Getty Images

Comments

September 10, 2007 at 5:42 pm
(1) Mark Forstneger says:

Diabetic foot disorders rank among the top conditions treated by foot and ankle surgeons. If you have a friend or family member with diabetes, make sure they’re following the diabetic foot care guidelines posted on the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ FootPhysicians.com Web site

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