Sangeeta Patel Sangeeta Patel Asked 9 months ago

What does diabetes neuropathy feel like?

My father, who has had diabetes for many years, complains about tingling and numbness in his feet. The doctor mentioned neuropathy. What does diabetic neuropathy actually feel like for someone experiencing it? Is it just pins and needles?

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7 answers

Shreya Das Shreya Das Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago
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Yes, exactly what the others are saying – tingling, numbness, and burning sensations are common.

Sameer Khan Sameer Khan Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

It can be really uncomfortable and impact your daily work. Many describe it as numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pains, often in the feet and hands. Sometimes it feels like pins and needles, or a loss of sensation. Regular blood sugar control is crucial to prevent it from worsening. Prioritize your doctor's appointments for nerve checks.

Priya Singh Priya Singh Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

It's often described as a burning, tingling, or numbing sensation, usually starting in the feet and sometimes moving to hands. Some people feel a sharp, shooting pain. While some gentle massages or warm foot soaks might give temporary relief, if these symptoms are persistent or worsening, you absolutely must see a doctor. This is not something to treat only at home.

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Anjali Mehta Anjali Mehta Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I'm still learning about this, it sounds scary. So, is it mostly in the feet, or can it be in other parts of the body too? And does it come and go, or is it constant? Thank you for explaining.

Rahul Verma Rahul Verma Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I've had this! For me, it started with a tingling, almost buzzing sensation in my toes, especially at night. Then it progressed to burning pains, like my feet were on fire. It was incredibly painful and made sleeping difficult. Getting my blood sugar strictly under control really helped slow it down and lessen the symptoms.

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Gopal Rao Gopal Rao Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My uncle had this, he used to complain of a 'burning' feeling in his feet, especially at night, and sometimes a strange numbness. My ajji (grandmother) would suggest warm oil massages, but the doctor always said strict sugar control is the main thing. It feels like the nerves are not working properly. Trust the doctor for management; these are important symptoms.

Meena Devi Meena Devi Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Diabetic neuropathy can be a silent thief of sensation, or a very painful constant companion. It often starts as numbness, tingling, or a 'pins and needles' feeling in the feet, eventually going up the legs. Sometimes it's a sharp, stabbing pain or a burning sensation. Foot care is paramount – check your feet daily for any cuts or sores, as you might not feel them. Regular check-ups with your endocrinologist and neurologist are a must.

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