Despite many recent advances in diabetes treatment, neuropathy remains frighteningly common. Between 54 percent and 59 percent of people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes will eventually develop nerve damage. By carefully controlling your blood sugar, you can help keep your nerve cells out of harm's way. When people with diabetes experience pain, tingling, numbness or other sensory symptoms, typically in the feet, high blood sugar seems to be the real culprit. In general, nerve cells only start dying when blood sugar stays too high over a long period of time.
Nobody knows why extra sugar is so toxic.
Perhaps it upsets the chemical balance in the nerves. Or perhaps the sugar slows down blood circulation and cuts off the oxygen supply to the nervous system. Experts speculate that the small blood vessels of the nerves may be damaged, and that proteins within the nervous system may become coated with sugar and not function properly. Drink moderately, if at all, and talk to your doctor about how to bring your cholesterol and blood pressure within a normal range. Risk factors you can't control include your age, heredity, height, and how long you've had diabetes.