What Causes Prickling Pain In Feet In Case Of Diabetes?

I had been diagnosed with diabetis type II in 1991. In January 2007 I felt prickling in my forward sole. About 3 months later it felt like stepping on a glass pane. Then it turned to occasional pain, often stabbing pain. Is the pain in my feet related to diabetis? What are the risks or consequences? What can I do to correct it?