People typically develop neuropathy during the first 10 years of having diabetes. Also known as diabetic neuropathy, it is a type of nerve damage that grows slowly. This means a person may have diabetes for several years before seeing any signs of neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy refers to any type of damage to the nervous system caused by having high blood sugar levels.

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy:

  • Peripheral neuropathy: This is often the most common type and includes nerve damage outside of the brain and spinal cord. It typically affects the legs and feet.
  • Autonomic neuropathy: This involves damage to nerves that control major internal organs, such as your heart and sex organs.
  • Focal neuropathies: This refers to damage done to a single nerve, often occurring in the torso or hand.
  • Proximal neuropathy: This is a type of severe and rare nerve damage that can affect the hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Diabetic neuropathy can be caused by long-term high blood sugar and fat levels. This can damage the blood vessels connected to the nerves, resulting in pain and numbness in the body, particularly the feet and legs.

It can also be caused by physical injury, such as a car accident or fall.

Research has found that having diabetes and neuropathy can reduce your life expectancy by around 11 years. However, this can depend on several factors, such as:

  • Age: Older adults are more likely to have a higher risk of developing complications from diabetic neuropathy.
  • Duration: How long you’ve had diabetes and the severity of the condition can affect life expectancy.
  • Overall health: Having additional chronic health conditions can also increase the risk of complications and fatality.

Read more about how diabetic neuropathy progresses and what you expect during each stage.