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Complications

Nerves: sensation and autonomic function

Connect peripheral and autonomic neuropathy to symptoms, foot risk, and the importance of considering other causes.

2 min readEasy read2 sourcesChecked 30 Sept 2026Established

By The Diabetes Guide editorial project · Updated 30 Sept 2026

On this page
In simple words

Nerve damage can cause tingling, pain or numbness, usually in the feet, and can affect digestion, bladder and heartbeat control.

  1. Step 1: Wires with worn covering

    Nerves carry messages. Damage can send wrong signals or no signal.

    For example: A phone cable with a frayed cover gives crackly sound.

  2. Step 2: Inside the body

    The nerves that run automatic body functions can be affected too.

    For example: Behind-the-scenes staff who keep a theatre running.

  3. Step 3: Check other causes

    Some other diseases, medicines or vitamin lack can cause similar problems.

    For example: A crackling radio might be a loose wire or a flat battery.

Remember: Numbness is not protective: injuries can go unnoticed.

The full story

Want more? Below is the detailed version with the real science words. It is fine to skip it.

What happens inside the body?

Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can cause pain, tingling or loss of sensation, often in the feet. Autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions, so injury can affect digestion, bladder emptying, heart-rate responses and sexual function. 1

What changes the outcome?

Numbness is not protective: an unnoticed injury can worsen. Not every neuropathy is caused by diabetes; nutritional deficiencies, medications and other diseases also need consideration. Glucose exposure, vascular factors and individual susceptibility interact.

Why earlier care matters

Earlier glucose management can have lasting benefits, but risk also depends on blood pressure, lipids, smoking and access to organ-specific care. Remission does not automatically erase prior injury or remove the need for surveillance. 2

Trace the evidence

Sources and further reading

Source checking is an editorial literature check, not independent medical review. This page is for learning. It cannot diagnose you or make a treatment plan. Evidence labels describe the cited claims, not the whole topic.

What does “Established” mean?

Doctors and scientists agree. This is well known. Like “the sun rises in the east”.

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