Neuropathy from diabetes occurs in part due to microvascular damage to small blood vessels. Some of the smallest blood vessels in the body are the vessels in the fingers and toes. The typical pattern of neuropathy in someone with diabetes is to develop neuropathic pain (burning, tingling, etc) in the hands and feet in a "Stocking and glove" distribution. Mononeuropathy multiplex is another form of neuropathy that can occur in people with diabetes as well, which can cause damage to nerves over the body in a random pattern.

Individuals who have well controlled diabetes, usually stabilize their symptoms of neuropathy. If your neuropathy is fluctuating you should talk to your physician or health care provider to discuss if there are any additional causes of neuropathy that could be causing the symptoms. S/he may refer you to a neurologist who may perform tests such as electromyograms to see how your nerves function. Sometimes, nerve biopsies are performed to determine the cause of the problem.