Hi, thank you for your question. From what you have described, you may be having diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy happens when diabetes leads to nerve damage in the feet, legs, hands and arms.

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, unable to feel temperature changes or pain, burning or tingling sensation, increased sensitivity to touch, sharp pains, muscle weakness, loss of balance and coordination, loss of reflexes and foot problems, such as infections, ulcers, bone pain and joint pain.

Anyone with diabetes can develop peripheral neuropathy, but you have increased risk if your blood sugar is poorly controlled, you have longstanding diabetes, you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 24, or you smoke. Smoking hardens and narrows the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the legs, delays wound healing and damages nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy can lead to serious complications. Nerve damage makes you unable to feel your legs. When you have a cut or foot sore which goes unnoticed, it can get infected or turn into an ulcer. In severe cases, the infection may spread to your bone, or the ulcer can become gangrenous (tissue death due to loss of blood supply). This can eventually lead to the need of amputation (removal) of your toe, foot or lower leg, to prevent further complications.

Foot problems are common complications of peripheral neuropathy. However, these problems can be prevented by having a foot examination annually, having the doctor check your feet during follow-ups and taking good care of your feet. Foot care includes checking your feet every day, keeping your feet clean and dry, trimming your nails carefully, wearing clean socks and shoes that fit well. Also, keep your blood sugar under control and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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