Diabetic neuropathy can be classified as peripheral, autonomic, proximal, or focal. Each affects different parts of the body in various ways.

Peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, causes pain or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms.

Autonomic neuropathy causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration. It can also affect the nerves that serve the heart and control blood pressure, as well as nerves in the lungs and eyes. Autonomic neuropathy can also cause hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition in which people no longer experience the warning symptoms of low blood glucose levels.

Proximal neuropathy causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks and leads to weakness in the legs.

Focal neuropathy results in the sudden weakness of one nerve or a group of nerves, causing muscle weakness or pain. Any nerve in the body can be affected.

Neuropathy Affects Nerves Throughout the Body
Peripheral neuropathy affects

toes
feet
legs
hands
arms

Autonomic neuropathy affects

heart and blood vessels
digestive system
urinary tract
sex organs
sweat glands
eyes
lungs

Proximal neuropathy affects

thighs
hips
buttocks
legs

Focal neuropathy affects

eyes
facial muscles
ears
pelvis and lower back
chest
abdomen
thighs
legs
feet

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