What to know about peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord. Diabetes can affect nerves over time. A person may notice burning, tingling, numbness, electric-shock sensations, unusual sensitivity or weakness in the feet and legs. Some people have little warning discomfort even when the skin is injured.

Reduced sensation can make a hot surface, tight shoe, blister or small cut harder to notice. Nerve symptoms can also disturb balance or sleep. A clinician can examine sensation, reflexes, circulation and skin rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Look at both feet every day, including the soles and spaces between the toes. Check for redness, cracks, blisters, swelling, drainage or a change in colour. Wash and dry gently, moisturise dry skin without putting cream between the toes, and wear well-fitting shoes and clean socks.

Avoid walking barefoot and test bath water with a hand or thermometer rather than a numb foot. Keep diabetes appointments and discuss glucose management, pain, balance and footwear. Do not cut corns or calluses yourself if sensation is reduced.

Contact a clinician promptly for any open wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, new colour change or unexplained foot pain. Seek urgent help for fever with a foot wound, rapidly worsening swelling, severe weakness or a suddenly cold or pale foot.

Ask how often your feet need examination, which shoes are suitable, how to manage nerve pain, whether you need a podiatry review and which warning signs should trigger same-day advice.