Nerve pain is a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, a nerve condition that afflicts nearly 50 percent of diabetes patients, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Neuropathy occurs when damage occurs to the patient's nerves.
Cause of Damage
The NIH states that diabetic nerve pain is a complication, caused by hyperglycemia, or high blood pressure.
Forms of Neuropathy
The Mayo Clinic notes that out of the four different types of diabetic neuropathy, only three forms have nerve pain as a symptom. These forms of neuropathy include peripheral neuropathy, focal neuropathy and proximal neuropathy.
Pain Location
The location of the nerve pain depends on the type of diabetic neuropathy. The Mayo Clinic states that the pain occurs in the legs and feet during peripheral neuropathy; the buttocks, hips and thighs during proximal neuropathy; and in the shin and feet during focal neuropathy.
Treatment
Over-the-counter pain medications and prescription medications treat diabetic nerve pain, according to the NIH. Pain medications, like analgesics, may not be effective when used on a long-term basis.
Prevention
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can prevent diabetic neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
