Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and potentially debilitating complications of diabetes. It is a type of nerve damage that specifically affects the peripheral nerves—those located outside the brain and spinal cord—most often in the feet and legs. This condition develops gradually and can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life, leading to chronic pain, loss of sensation, and, in severe cases, infections or even amputations.
DPN occurs as a direct result of prolonged high blood sugar levels, which damage the walls of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this damage disrupts nerve function and signal transmission, often starting in the longest nerves first—typically those that extend to the feet. While people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk, the likelihood increases the longer a person has diabetes, particularly if their blood sugar has not been consistently well-controlled.
In addition to duration and blood sugar control, other risk factors include being over the age of 40, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a history of kidney disease. DPN doesn’t discriminate by gender or race, and millions of people around the world—many without even realizing it—are living with some form of diabetic nerve damage.
Because the progression of DPN can be subtle in its early stages, recognizing the warning signs is crucial. Understanding the symptoms and causes of this condition can help individuals seek appropriate treatment early and prevent long-term complications.
Symptoms and Causes of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy develops gradually, and its symptoms may vary depending on the severity and which nerves are affected. Some individuals may notice mild tingling or numbness, while others experience sharp, burning pain that significantly interferes with daily life. Over time, symptoms can worsen and lead to more serious complications such as ulcers, infections, and even limb amputation.
Common Symptoms of DPN
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Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
Often starting in the toes or soles of the feet and progressing up the legs. -
Tingling, burning, or “pins and needles” sensation
Commonly described as a constant discomfort, especially at night. -
Sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain
May feel sudden and intense, often interfering with walking or rest. -
Increased sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
Even light pressure from bedsheets or socks can become painful. -
Muscle weakness or unsteadiness
Especially in the legs, contributing to balance issues or frequent falls. -
Cramps and spasms in the feet or lower legs
Occurring spontaneously or with movement. -
Foot ulcers, infections, or poor wound healing
Due to reduced blood flow and lack of sensation, making injuries go unnoticed. -
Loss of coordination or reflexes in the ankles and feet
A sign of progressing nerve damage. -
Pain that worsens at night or during rest
This can severely impact sleep and overall quality of life.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
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Prolonged high blood sugar levels
Chronic hyperglycemia damages the small blood vessels that supply nerves, leading to impaired function. -
Long duration of diabetes
Risk increases the longer someone has lived with diabetes, especially without consistent blood sugar control. -
Poor blood circulation (peripheral artery disease)
Reduced blood flow deprives nerves of oxygen and essential nutrients. -
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Both contribute to vascular damage, worsening nerve health. -
Smoking
Narrows and hardens arteries, further impairing circulation to the nerves. -
Obesity or metabolic syndrome
Increases inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which can accelerate nerve damage. -
Kidney disease
Accumulation of toxins due to impaired kidney function can negatively affect nerve health. -
Vitamin deficiencies
Especially B vitamins, which are essential for nerve repair and function.
Early detection is key to slowing the progression of DPN and improving patient outcomes. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available today that focus on reducing symptoms, preventing further damage, and improving quality of life.
In the next section, we’ll explore the most effective ways to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy—including how an innovative device called a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is providing lasting relief for patients who suffer from chronic, unmanageable pain.
Treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Closer Look at Effective Options
Managing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) begins with addressing the root causes—namely, high blood sugar and metabolic health—but when the nerve damage has already occurred, the focus shifts to slowing progression, minimizing pain, and preserving function. A multi-layered approach is often necessary, and treatments can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual patient needs.
Here are the most common and effective strategies for treating DPN:
1. Blood Sugar Management
Maintaining tight blood glucose control is the foundation of managing DPN. This doesn’t reverse nerve damage but can help prevent it from getting worse.
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Daily glucose monitoring
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Medication adjustments (insulin or oral hypoglycemics)
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Working with a diabetes educator or endocrinologist
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Maintaining an HbA1c level below 7% (as advised by a healthcare provider)
2. Medications for Nerve Pain
While standard pain medications often don’t work for neuropathy, some prescription drugs are specifically used to reduce nerve pain:
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Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin): Help calm overactive nerves
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Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, duloxetine): Alter how your brain processes pain
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Topical treatments like capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
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These may offer partial relief but are often associated with side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal upset.
3. Lifestyle Changes & Physical Therapy
Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits not only helps with symptom management but also improves overall function:
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Exercise (walking, stretching, resistance training) improves blood flow to the nerves
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Physical therapy can help with balance, muscle strength, and pain reduction
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Proper foot care is critical to avoid unnoticed injuries that can lead to ulcers or infections
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Smoking cessation and weight loss are essential for improving circulation and reducing inflammation
4. Alternative Therapies
Some patients find added relief through complementary therapies:
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Acupuncture
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Biofeedback
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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
While results vary, these methods may offer short-term symptom improvement.
5. Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS): Advanced Relief When Other Options Fail
For patients with moderate to severe chronic pain caused by DPN who have not found relief through conventional therapies, the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) has become a breakthrough solution.
An FDA-approved, non-opioid therapy, SCS is a small device implanted under the skin that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing or even eliminating the perception of pain.
How It Works:
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The SCS system includes a pulse generator (implanted near the lower back) and electrodes placed near the spinal cord.
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The device is controlled by the patient using a remote, allowing for personalized adjustments.
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It does not alter the structure of the spine or nerves, making it a minimally invasive and reversible treatment option.
For patients who have tried everything and still suffer from burning, stabbing, or unbearable nerve pain in their feet and legs, spinal cord stimulation offers a real chance at long-term relief.
Up next: Discover how SpineMed Specialists in Wichita, KS offers personalized, cutting-edge care—including spinal cord stimulation—to help you take back control from chronic diabetic nerve pain.
How SpineMed Specialists Can Help
If you or a loved one in the Wichita, KS area is struggling with the relentless pain of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) or another chronic nerve-related condition, SpineMed Specialists is here to provide relief that lasts.
Led by Dr. Thomas Frimpong, a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, our team specializes in advanced, non-opioid solutions for pain—most notably the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS). As one of the few practices in the region offering this cutting-edge treatment, we take pride in helping patients regain their independence, mobility, and comfort when other treatments have failed.
The Spinal Cord Stimulator is an FDA-approved device that safely and effectively blocks pain signals from reaching the brain—offering hope to patients who once thought they had no other options.
Why Choose Us and Our Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment?
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✅ 86% of patients report successful pain relief after 1 year of therapy
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✅ Provides up to 10 years of meaningful, sustained pain reduction
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✅ 17x more likely to experience significant relief compared to traditional treatments
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✅ Minimizes or eliminates the need for long-term use of pain medications
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✅ Improves sleep, daily activity, and overall quality of life
Conditions Commonly Treated with SCS:
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Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
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Chronic or Neuropathic Pain
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Radicular Pain (sciatica-like pain)
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Postherpetic Neuralgia (shingles-related nerve pain)
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Cancer-Related Pain
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Arachnoiditis
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Peripheral Vascular Disease
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Ischemic Pain
At SpineMed Specialists, we don’t just treat pain—we help you return to the life you want to live. Every patient is thoroughly evaluated, and if spinal cord stimulation is the right option for you, we’ll guide you through every step—from trial implantation to full therapy—using the latest technology and the highest standard of care.
Schedule your consultation today by clicking here or calling us at 316-334-3750. Tambien se habla español.