Diabetic Neuropathy and Foot Care: What Every Diabetic Must Know

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in India. The damage is gradual and often begins before a person even knows they have diabetes — making awareness and foot care critically important for every diabetic patient.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Chronically high blood sugar damages blood vessels that supply nerves, causing the nerves to deteriorate. This is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It most commonly affects the nerves in the feet and legs first (in a "stocking" pattern), gradually moving upward.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Numbness or reduced sensation in the feet and toes
• Tingling, burning, or "electric shock" pains — often worse at night
• Extreme sensitivity to touch — even bedsheets on the feet causing pain
• Loss of balance and coordination (because nerves also carry balance information)
• In autonomic neuropathy: dizziness on standing, excessive sweating, stomach problems, sexual dysfunction

Why Foot Care Is Critical for Diabetics

Numbness in the feet means injuries go unnoticed. A simple blister, cut, or pressure sore — unfelt because of neuropathy — can progress to infection, ulceration, and in severe cases, amputation. Diabetic foot complications are one of the leading causes of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in India.

Diabetic Foot Care — Daily Habits That Protect You

• Inspect your feet daily — look at the soles, between toes, heels. Use a mirror if needed. Report any sore, blister, redness, or discolouration to your doctor promptly.
• Wash feet in lukewarm (not hot) water daily — test temperature with your elbow, not feet, as sensation may be reduced
• Dry carefully, especially between toes
• Moisturise the soles (but not between toes)
• Never walk barefoot, even at home
• Wear properly fitting, closed shoes — no flip-flops, slippers, or tight footwear
• Cut nails straight across, not curved. Never dig into corners.
• Do not use hot water bottles, heated pads, or corn plasters on feet

Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

The most important treatment is blood sugar control — maintaining HbA1c below 7% significantly slows the progression of neuropathy. Specific medications for nerve pain (pregabalin, duloxetine, amitriptyline) can significantly reduce burning and shooting pains. B-complex vitamins, alpha lipoic acid, and other supplements may have additional benefit.

"Diabetic neuropathy is silent in its early stages — you may lose sensation without any obvious warning. Regular neurology review and strict blood sugar control can prevent the devastating late complications."

Dr. Anand Karnam provides diabetic neuropathy assessments including nerve conduction studies at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar. Call +91 90633 66983.