This handout is also available in Spanish .
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens in people who have diabetes.
This damage reduces the ability of the nerves to carry messages to the brain and other parts of the body. Nerve damage occurs in people who have had diabetes for a long time. Men have diabetic neuropathy more often than women. Most importantly, keep your blood sugar under control. Eat a variety of healthy foods and avoid foods that are high in fat and high in sugar.