Is peripheral neuropathy safe in people with diabetes?

Peripheral neuropathy can affect nerves that carry feeling, movement or automatic body signals. People may notice tingling, burning, numbness, sharp pain, weakness or unusual sensitivity, often in the feet. Reduced feeling can make a blister, cut, tight shoe or hot surface harder to notice.

An unnoticed injury can worsen, particularly when circulation is reduced or blood glucose is difficult to manage. Neuropathy can also affect balance and increase the chance of a fall. It deserves active monitoring even when symptoms seem mild.

Check your feet every day for colour changes, cracks, blisters, swelling, cuts or drainage. Look between the toes and use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see well. Wash and dry carefully, moisturise dry skin without applying cream between the toes, and wear well-fitting footwear.

Do not walk barefoot or test bath water with numb feet. Check shoes before putting them on and avoid treating corns or blisters yourself with harsh products. Keep diabetes appointments and report new numbness, pain, weakness or balance problems.

Contact a clinician promptly for a new wound, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, a darkened area, increasing pain or fever. Seek urgent care if an infection is spreading, a foot becomes suddenly cold or pale, or you cannot bear weight. Do not wait for pain when sensation is reduced.

Ask how often your feet need examination, whether your footwear is protective, how to manage nerve pain, and which changes require same-day advice.