Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is nerve damage caused by diabetes. It most commonly affects the feet and legs. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage nerves, leading to changes in sensation, pain, weakness and balance problems.

Understanding diabetic peripheral neuropathy

This leaflet explains diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including its symptoms, causes, treatment options and ways to manage the condition with support from your healthcare team.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• numbness or loss of feeling in the feet
• tingling or pins and needles
• burning or shooting pain
• muscle weakness
• poor balance and an increased risk of falls
• foot ulcers or wounds that heal slowly.

Prevention

You can help reduce the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by:

• keeping blood glucose levels within your target range
• attending regular diabetes reviews
• checking your feet every day
• wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear
• staying active and maintaining a healthy weight
• stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

Daily foot care

• check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or changes in colour
• wash and dry your feet carefully
• moisturise dry skin, but not between the toes
• never walk barefoot
• seek advice if you notice any wounds or changes.

Treatment and support

Management may include diabetes control, pain management, exercise, podiatry care and rehabilitation support.

How your community rehabilitation team can help

Physiotherapists can help improve strength, improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

Occupational therapists can help with daily activities, equipment, home safety and help maintain independence.

Therapy assistants can support exercise programmes and reinforce education and self-management strategies.

Possible complications

Without appropriate management, diabetic peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of:

• foot ulcers
• infection
• falls caused by balance difficulties
• changes in foot shape
• delayed wound healing.

When to seek help

Contact your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist if you have:

• a foot wound
• signs of infection
• worsening numbness
• severe pain
• repeated falls.

Useful contacts

GP practice:

Diabetes nurse:

Podiatry service:

Community rehabilitation team:

Important information

This leaflet is intended for patient education and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.