The most common and significant change is loss of feeling, or touch sensation. You may not notice it at first because it is the absence or reduction of sensation. A physical exam by your doctor and sometimes special tests can help in making the diagnosis. The likelihood of getting neuropathy increases with age. The longer you have diabetes, the increased chance you have of developing neuropathy.
Many cases are mild, but some are more severe.
The severity of the neuropathy does not necessarily correspond to the severity of the diabetes. Some people with mild diabetes can have severe neuropathy. Neuropathy mainly affects the feet, but can also involve the ankles, legs and at times, even the hands. It tends to be more severe in the foot than in the lower leg. In other words, it affects the toes more than the lower leg.