Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage from chronically high blood sugar, often develops slowly. Many people don’t notice it until symptoms are advanced, like severe pain, numbness, or foot wounds that don’t heal. But with the right awareness and testing, early signs can often be detected and managed before serious complications develop.

🧠 What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen to your nerves. Over time, this leads to nerve fiber damage, especially in the feet and hands. Other contributing factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High triglycerides

• Smoking or alcohol use

• Poor circulation

Once damaged, nerves don't regenerate easily, so early detection and control are key.

🦶 Common Early Symptoms to Watch For

You don’t have to wait for full-blown pain or numbness to take action. Some early signs of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Tingling, burning, or prickling sensations in the feet or hands

• A feeling of “pins and needles” or light buzzing

• Slight numbness in toes or fingertips

• Increased sensitivity to touch

• Cramping in the feet or calves, especially at night

• A change in how your feet sense hot or cold

These symptoms might come and go at first or only occur during certain times of day. But they are often the first signal that nerve health is changing.

🩺 Screening for Nerve Damage

The best way to catch nerve damage early is through routine screening. Clinical tools may include:

• Monofilament test: A thin nylon filament tests for loss of protective sensation

• Vibration test: A tuning fork or small device checks for changes in vibration sense

• Temperature or pinprick testing: Identifies reduced sensation

• Reflex testing: Measures how well nerves are conducting signals

• Nerve conduction studies or advanced foot scans: Detects subtle changes.

⚠️ Why Early Detection Matters

Catching neuropathy early can:

• Prevent progression to permanent nerve loss

• Reduce fall risk and injury

• Lower chances of foot ulcers or amputation

• Improve quality of life by managing symptoms before they worsen

And importantly, early detection gives you time to intervene through blood sugar control, physical therapy, and targeted medication if needed.

✅ What You Can Do

• Keep blood sugar levels within your target range consistently

• Attend regular foot exams, even if you don’t have symptoms

• Report any tingling, numbness, or discomfort to your provider

• Wear well-fitting shoes and inspect your feet daily

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which worsen nerve health

• Consider working with a clinic that offers routine nerve screening

📅 Curious if Diabetes Could Be the Cause?

Reach7 offers on-site A1c testing, full metabolic panels, and personalized care reviews to identify whether diabetes may be contributing to nerve-related symptoms.

Book your visit today and get clarity on your blood sugar, inflammation, and metabolic health before small signs turn into serious complications.