What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the term for a range of disorders that affect the body's nerves, the electrical cables that transmit information between the brain, the spinal cord, and the rest of the body.

Neuropathy is a condition that causes tingling or numbness in certain areas of the body, especially the hands and feet. Neuropathy is a common disorder that affects about 1 to 2 percent of Americans. It is a condition that occurs following damage to a single nerve or multiple nerves.

Neuropathy is damage to the nerves. The three major forms of neuropathy in people with diabetes are peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and mononeuropathy. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects mainly the legs and feet.