Written on December 22, 2023 by Jordan Stachel, MS, RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
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While you may have heard of prediabetes, many people have never heard of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition in which certain nerves in the body become damaged. Read this article for everything you need to know.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.[1] Prediabetes is a serious condition, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to the development of diabetes and other undesirable health conditions.
Symptoms of prediabetes can include [1]:
If you or someone you know believes that they may be prediabetic, it is important to get tested by visiting a healthcare provider. They will test your hemoglobin A1c, or the marker of the average of your blood sugar over three months.
While the causes of prediabetes can vary, several risk factors can increase the risk of getting prediabetes. Some of these include [1]:
Neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged. This often results in pain, burning, or tingling in the limbs.[2] Symptoms of neuropathy can vary but often include:
While neuropathy can be caused by many things, some people wonder, can prediabetes cause neuropathy? While further research is needed in this area to draw more concrete conclusions, there is some research to support the fact that prediabetes can cause neuropathy for some people.[3] In certain studies that examined glucose tolerance, people with impaired glucose tolerance, which occurs in prediabetes, exhibited an increased risk for neuropathy when compared to people with normal glucose tolerance.
Prediabetes can turn into diabetes, and neuropathy is a common side effect of uncontrolled diabetes. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.[4] While neuropathy may be caused by prediabetes in some people, especially if you have high and uncontrolled blood sugar levels for a long time, it is very common for people with diabetes to suffer from neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs over time as the nerves become damaged from long-term, uncontrolled blood sugar levels.[5] This is a serious condition that can result in several different types of neuropathy.
Some of the most common types of neuropathy include [5]:
If you have neuropathy due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, you cannot cure the condition but can take measures to manage it.[5] Some ways to control and manage neuropathy include improving your blood sugar levels with diet and lifestyle modifications and quitting smoking. It is always recommended to work with a team of qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance and recommendations. They may also recommend the use of certain medications to aid in pain management.
At Everlywell, we combine the best in modernized, rigorous lab testing with easy-to-access at-home medicine. We provide a range of blood tests that you can take from the comfort of your home. Your results will be analyzed in CLIA-certified labs and an experienced healthcare provider will deliver your results. Take control of your blood sugar, fertility, and overall health today with Everlywell.
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