Some toxic, inflammation-based forms of peripheral neuropathy can develop rapidly over days or weeks, while most other conditions take months, years, or even decades to develop. Like many other health conditions, peripheral neuropathy can get progressively worse. However, neuropathy doesn't just “get worse” in the same way that, for example, a bunion becomes more pronounced or gout attacks become more frequent. The actual nature of the symptoms changes over time as the nerves become damaged each more and more.
Diabetic neuropathy can worsen over many years. If it continues to progress, it can lead to potentially serious complications. Controlling blood sugar can help slow progression, especially in the case of type 1 diabetes. Neuropathy, a condition that causes nerve pain, usually worsens at night. It can seriously disturb sleep, which can make you more aware of pain and make sleeping well even more difficult.
Diabetic neuropathy can progress at different times depending on the type of damage the person has. It can progress rapidly over days or weeks, or more slowly over many years. Some cases may improve over time if the underlying cause is treated, while in some people the damage may be permanent or worsen gradually over time. Minimally invasive bunion surgery offers patients less scarring, less post-operative pain and a faster recovery, improving the aesthetic and functional aspects of the procedure. This can cause different types of diabetic neuropathy, such as peripheral, autonomic, focal, and proximal neuropathies.
An important thing to keep in mind is that, although stage 1 neuropathy is usually due to excessive sugar consumption, most people do not yet have a diagnosis of stage 1 diabetes and, in fact, a fasting blood sugar test may give normal results.
