Diabetic neuropathy is a long term complication of diabetes that occurs when the nerves are damaged.
The most common type of diabetic neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves. It is called peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are the nerves that go out from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands. Peripheral neuropathy causes these sensory and motor nerves to not work properly. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the nerves that regulate unconscious vital functions, such as heart rate and digestion.