There are four different types of Diabetic Neuropathy Peripheral Neuropathy, Proximal Neuropathy, Autonomic Neuropathy, and Focal Neuropathy). The particular type of neuropathy is dependent on which nerves are affected in the body. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and may occur in up to 50% of diabetics, despite controlling blood sugar. It almost always starts out as tingling in the toes, gradually spreading up to the feet and eventually becoming a burning pain. Initially, the symptoms come and go, but with time they become constant. After a while, the person may experience such a loss of sensation that he'll be unable to tell if bath water is too hot or cold, if his shoes are too tight, or if he's injured himself. Impaired muscle strength also occur and can lead to hammertoe deformities, increasing the likelihood of falls.
Peripheral Neuropathy is the most common form of neuropathy experienced by diabetics. It affects nerves leading to feet, legs, arms and hands. The nerves that go from the spinal cord in the lumbar region to your feet, are the longest in the body. Because these nerves have such a long way to go, they have an increased risk of becoming damaged as there are more nerves to be damaged. This nerve damage can lead to other foot problems in the diabetic, such as foot deformities, infections, ulcers, and amputations.