Why diabetics often have numb, itchy feet

I have had diabetes for more than 10 years. For the past three months, my feet have been numb, itchy, sometimes painful, and have a prickling sensation. What causes this condition and how can I treat it? (Hong Thai, Ca Mau )

Reply:

Diabetic foot nerve damage is a complication of diabetes, also known as peripheral neuropathy. It usually develops slowly and gets worse gradually.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of nerve damage in the feet, reduced or lost sensation, infections, and foot ulcers. These serious complications can lead to amputation (partial leg amputation), which can be life-threatening.

Nerve damage is characteristic of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is common in people with poor blood sugar control. It often affects multiple nerves in the feet. Damaged nerves increase the risk of developing ulcers.

Poor blood sugar control leads to diabetic foot complications. Photo: Freepik — Poor blood sugar control leads to diabetic foot complications. Illustration: *Freepik*

Below are the symptoms of diabetic nerve damage.

Sensory neuropathy : Numbness, tingling or prickling, burning, shooting pain in the feet, pain or discomfort in the lower legs.

Motor neuron disease : Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone in the feet and legs, loss of balance, changes in foot shape can lead to areas of increased pressure.

Autonomic neuropathy : dry feet, cracked skin.

Symptoms of diabetic nerve damage include deformities such as hammertoes, claw toes, or toes; failure to recognize an infection in the foot; abrasions due to decreased sensation; and loss of sensation when stepping on a small object or cutting the skin. Cracked skin due to autonomic neuropathy, combined with numbness from sensory neuropathy and problems related to motor neuropathy, can lead to foot ulcers.

To diagnose the disease, the doctor evaluates symptoms such as numbness, burning, loss of sensation in the feet and examines with a foot examination kit. Through this, the doctor evaluates reflexes, the ability to feel pressure, pain, vibration... In addition, there are other tests to evaluate the nerves if needed.

To treat diabetic neuropathy, doctors prescribe medications to control uncomfortable sensations such as numbness, pain, and paresthesia caused by nerve damage.

Patients need to control blood sugar well, wear well-fitting shoes to avoid foot ulcers, check their feet every day, and prevent diabetic neuropathy.

Numbness and tingling in your feet may be due to diabetes, you should see a doctor for an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment. You may need to have your feet checked and evaluated periodically according to your doctor's appointment.

MSc.MD.CKI Do Truc Anh
Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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