Diabetes mellitus , often called diabetes, is a condition that affects the body's ability to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body. It is suspected that high blood glucose levels are neurotoxic. This is another way of saying that they have a poisonous effect on the nerves. If blood glucose levels are elevated significantly for a period of time, the nerves can be permanently damaged.
Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of high blood glucose in people who have diabetes.
A 10-year study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases showed that blood glucose control is key in preventing diabetic neuropathy. People who kept their blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible were able to delay the onset and progression of neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is also more common in people who are more than 40 years old. It is more likely in those who smoke . Heredity also plays a role, since some people are more susceptible to nerve damage than others.