Which symptom is most commonly associated with diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is primarily characterized by nerve damage that occurs as a long-term complication of diabetes. Elevated blood glucose levels over time can lead to damage to the nerves throughout the body, particularly affecting those in the extremities. This leads to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, predominantly in the legs and feet. The term "nerve damage" encompasses the primary pathological process underlying diabetic neuropathy, making it the most directly associated symptom with the condition.

In contrast, although joint pain can occur in various forms of neuropathy, it is not a hallmark symptom of diabetic neuropathy specifically. Skin lesions are more likely to be associated with other complications of diabetes, such as infections or poor circulation, rather than neuropathy. Increased appetite might happen due to various factors in diabetes management, but it does not directly relate to the neuropathic condition itself, which typically involves sensory and motor dysfunction rather than alterations in appetite.