What is a likely outcome of diabetic neuropathy in its final stage?

In the final stage of diabetic neuropathy, a likely outcome is complete loss of sensation. This condition is characterized by nerve damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to peripheral neuropathy. As diabetic neuropathy progresses, nerve fibers can become damaged or degenerate, particularly those responsible for transmitting sensory information.

The complete loss of sensation occurs when the nerves can no longer effectively send signals to the brain, which often affects the extremities, such as the feet and hands. This loss of sensation can lead to serious complications, such as unnoticed injuries or infections, as individuals may not feel pain or discomfort in their affected areas.

This shift from heightened sensitivity or pain perception (which may occur in earlier stages) to a lack of sensation represents the progression of neuropathy, underscoring the importance of managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes to prevent or slow the progression of nerve damage.