Nerve Damage in your Feet
High levels of HbA1c (blood glucose) causes damage to the nerves in the feet and legs. This nerve damage is called Peripheral Neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy can result in reduced or altered sensation in your feet, dryness and change to your foot shape.
Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy
- Freezing
- Tingling
- Hyper Sensitivity
- Burning Sensation
- Sharp Jabbing Pain
- Loss of Feeling
- Numbness
People often describe a loss of feeling, numbness, sharp jabbing pain, burning sensation, tingling, freezing or hyper sensitivity where even the lightest of touch is painful. These sensations can improve with good blood glucose management.
The trouble with the loss of feeling is that you may not feel when you damage your foot. You may have a cut or a blister that you are not aware of, which could become infected if not looked after.
Once there is a loss of feeling this sensation will not return. This is why it is very important to check your feet daily or more often if you are doing more walking, wearing a different pair of shoes, on holiday or if your feet are swollen.
