When diabetes damages the nerves, it's called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy makes your nerves less effective, so they can't carry messages to the brain and other parts of your body. The ability of your heart to keep up with the needs of your body. The ability of your intestines to digest food. Nerve damage can occur if you've had diabetes for a long time.
Men have diabetic neuropathy more often than women.
The most important thing you can do is keep your blood sugar under control as much as possible. Eat a variety of healthy foods. Don't eat foods that are high in sugar, fat or cholesterol. If you're overweight, your doctor may want you to lose weight. Take your medicines just the way your doctor tells you.