What Causes Numbness in the Hands of People with Diabetes?

Numbness in the hands of individuals with diabetes may indicate complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy, or it may be caused by cerebrovascular disease.

1. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Hand numbness in diabetic patients may result from long-standing disease and chronically poor glycemic control, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This condition is often accompanied by other sensory abnormalities, including pain and hypersensitivity.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

Persistent hyperglycemia may damage the microvasculature of the retina, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. Other contributing factors include smoking and dyslipidemia. Associated symptoms may include photophobia, excessive tearing, and blurred vision.

3. Cerebrovascular Disease

Coexisting cerebrovascular disease can also cause hand numbness. For example, ischemic cerebrovascular disease commonly occurs in diabetic patients with long-term suboptimal glycemic control, which promotes atherosclerosis, leading to cerebral arterial stenosis or insufficient cerebral blood supply—and consequently, hand numbness.