What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and distressing complications of diabetes, especially affecting the feet and hands. It occurs when chronically high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels that supply your peripheral nerves.
These nerves—particularly the small fibres lacking a protective myelin sheath—are responsible for sensations like pain, light touch, and temperature. When damaged, they may send erratic signals to the brain, even when no stimulus is present. This results in:
Burning sensations
Sharp or shooting pain
Pins and needles
Electric shock-like sensations
Numbness or hypersensitivity
These symptoms often worsen at night and can severely affect sleep and overall quality of life.
Collectively, these issues fall under the umbrella of diabetic peripheral neuropathies, a term referring to various types of nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes
People with peripheral neuropathy diabetes often report symptoms such as:
Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the feet or hands
Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
Numbness or a feeling of deadened skin
Heightened sensitivity to touch or pressure
Muscle weakness or poor balance
Electric shock-like jolts, especially at rest or during sleep
These symptoms can be difficult to describe, and some patients experience multiple sensations at once.
Low Level Laser Therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Conventional treatment options for diabetic neuropathic pain include oral medications. While these may reduce pain, they do not address the underlying nerve dysfunction—and they can cause side effects elsewhere in the body.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) offers a promising alternative.
How it works:
LLLT, also known as photobiomodulation, uses targeted laser light to stimulate energy production within your cells—specifically, within mitochondria. This process enhances circulation and tissue repair.
In cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, LLLT may:
Improve microvascular blood flow
Reduce inflammation in affected nerves
Promote nerve regeneration
Decrease the intensity and frequency of pain
Improve nerve conduction
✅ A 2019 systematic review by M.A. Anju et al. found that patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy experienced reduced symptoms and improved nerve function following LLLT treatment.
✅ Another review from 2016 by de Andrade et al. similarly concluded that LLLT is effective in managing neuropathic pain without systemic side effects.
Though the research is ongoing, LLLT is becoming an increasingly recognised and evidence-supported therapy for managing peripheral neuropathy in diabetes.
Podiatry Support for Diabetic Neuropathy at Spine Sport Feet
At Spine Sport Feet in Helensvale, our podiatrists are highly trained in assessing and managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We offer Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as a non-invasive treatment that may help reduce nerve pain and promote healing without the side effects of medication.
We take a collaborative and holistic approach, working closely with patients to create personalised care plans that address both symptoms and long-term health outcomes.
✅ Ready to take the next step?
Call (07) 5580 5655 or contact us online to book a consultation with one of our experienced podiatrists and explore how LLLT can support your nerve health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Q: What causes diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
A: It’s caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the tiny blood vessels that supply your peripheral nerves—especially those in the feet and hands.
Q: What does diabetic peripheral neuropathy feel like?
A: Patients report burning, tingling, shooting pain, or numbness. Some describe “electric shocks” or hypersensitivity even when there is no touch or pressure.
Q: Can diabetic peripheral neuropathy be cured?
A: While there’s no full cure, treatments like LLLT, improved blood sugar control, and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve nerve function.
Q: Is laser therapy safe for people with diabetes?
A: Yes. Low Level Laser Therapy is non-invasive and has no known systemic side effects when administered by trained professionals.
Q: How many sessions of LLLT are typically needed?
A: This varies per individual. Your podiatrist will tailor a treatment plan based on the severity of symptoms and treatment response.
Q: Does LLLT help with numbness as well as pain?
A: Yes, many patients report improvements in both pain and numbness, as the therapy supports improved nerve signalling and blood flow.
References
M A, Ummer V S, Maiya AG, Hande M. Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy – A systematic review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(4):2667–2670. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.035
de Andrade AL, Bossini PS, Parizotto NA. Use of low level laser therapy to control neuropathic pain: A systematic review. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016;164:36–42. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.08.025
