Can type 2 diabetes cause peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy may cause tingling, burning, electric-shock sensations, numbness or pain. It can also reduce awareness of heat, pressure and small injuries, so a blister or cut may go unnoticed. Symptoms often start in the toes and spread upward, although their pattern varies. Balance may be affected when the feet cannot sense the ground clearly. Other causes, including vitamin deficiency, alcohol, thyroid disease or medicines, can produce similar symptoms, so an examination helps identify the cause.

Check both feet every day for blisters, cracks, redness, swelling or drainage, using a mirror if needed. Wash and dry them carefully, moisturise dry skin without applying cream between the toes, and wear well-fitting footwear. Test bath water with your hand or a thermometer rather than a numb foot. Keep diabetes appointments and take prescribed treatment as directed. Report new tingling, pain, numbness or balance changes so your clinician can assess sensation, circulation and footwear needs.

Contact a clinician promptly for a foot wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever or a darkening toe. Seek emergency help for sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking or a sudden loss of balance, because these can indicate a neurological emergency rather than gradual neuropathy.

Ask whether your symptoms match neuropathy, whether another cause needs testing, and how often your feet should be examined. Discuss pain relief, balance support, footwear, exercise and when a podiatry or neurology referral may help. Ask for a clear plan if you find a wound.