It's been 2 years since I got diagnosed with type 2 after developing gestational diabetes that didn't go away. I've been going to my check-ups and my A1c's have been on the mid 5's. I'm due for another A1c but I noticed that both of my toes are numb. At first, I tought it was temporary but it's been around 2 weeks and still numb. I also noticed that I have a bruise on my nail. I'm very scared, I have been crying and thinking that I will end up losing my toes, then my limbs. Has anyone experienced something like this? Could this be diabetic neuropathy? I have three thoughts; it could either be due to my diabetes, it could be due to my vegetarian diet of many years (my whole life) and lack of vitamin B12, or a side effect of my epidural (have been having terrible pains on my spine since delivery). I know I should ask a doctor but the earliest appointment is after the holidays and I am so worried that I can't think of nothing else! Please help!
Call the nurse they can try to help or the ER nurse. Shouldnt wait to try to find out but it will do know good for you to freak. Think posstive! I heard some diets have turned out to be a bad thing when it come to diabetes. Actually was told that just today. Would be nice if some doctors would be a part of TUDiabetes. Think I will suggest that one. My son has signs of parithrial neuropothy. loss of feeling in feet, feel like they are on fire constant pain up legs and back. Will follow this and hope you get a good check up when you go or before.
Hi Bitter-Sweet: Have you been tested yet (antibody tests: GAD, ICA, IA-2) to see if you have autoimmune diabetes (did you check out my blog on autoimmune gestational diabetes) also my field guide to the misdiagnosed Type 1 diabetic? I know a number of people, including me, have encouraged you to get the tests. IMO, I think there is a good chance you need to be on exogenous insulin, even at very low doses (LilMaMa gave you her example), and that may help with the problems that you are having.
I will go to a new doctor because the one I have doesn't care! She said that I don't seem to have diabetes because my A1c was fine (non-diabetic levels). I explained to her that I still have my glucose go as high as 180 after meals but she didn't say anything. I have been having bad luck with 2 doctors already, they rush through the appointment and don't even check my feet. I have been complaining about my feet for a while and my previous doctor said, don't worry, it can't be nerve damage, is too soon for that and your A1c is normal! I will try a new doctor to see what happens. Thanks for your help anyway. I asked for those tests you and other people mentioned but they said there is no need for that because I have type II and normal levels A1c (????). By the time I find a good doctor that cares and knows about diabetes I will be on a wheelchair! Thanks for your help.
Thanks, I will go to the doctor soon. I just have to be more demanding this time. I'm tired of doctors ignoring my symptoms just because my A1c is on the 5's! I have two kids to take care of and my body is deteriorating so fast because of this disease and lack of good medical attention! Thanks.
what about a foot doctor that specializes in that? Just another thought. Keep the faith and advocate because thats the best you can do!
I find it unlikely that you could be developing neuropathy if you have only had diabetes for two years and have had A1cs in the 5s. Your thoughts about B12 are a possibility. It can be hard to get all the vitamins and nutrients that you need on a vegetarian diet, and B12 deficiency is known to cause peripheral neuropathy. It is exactly the same neuropathy as diabetic neuropathy. Get a new doctor and have him order a B12 test, it is standard. If you come up deficient, you have a possible cause. In the long-term, it would be prudent to take extra care to get all your vitamins and nutrients. I take a super B-Complex called B-100, which contains 1600% of the RDA for B-12. I started taking it when I began Metformin years ago (Metformin is known to cause malabsorption of B-12).
I do think it is unlikely that an epidural will cause nerve problems 2 years later.
And an expert to diagnose neuropathy is a neurologist. He will actually measure your nerve function.
ps. Before I leave, let me also make a final suggestion. Shoes. If you have compresssed your foot, that could explain everything. Shoes. You know what I am talking about, those candy colored 6 inch high heeled shoes that hurt so good.
I had a toenail turn black and fall off from wearing 2 pairs of socks in running shoes that were a shade too small a couple of years ago. I got all freaked out and went to the doc and the podiatrist to whom I was referred by the convenient care clinic got me *right* in. I also had one toe that would get colder than the other ones when I'd go to Tae Kwon Do classes barefoot during the winter, I saw a podiatrist for that and she rx'ed some neurotonin cream stuff. After I'd used it for a few weeks, it warmed up so I wasn't ever sure if it worked or not?
I worry all the time about the toes/ limbs thing too. I think that the medical community, or at least the ones I've encountered, are pretty attuned to foot problems being massive emergency? I also know there's some other people who didn't have that experience so, if you don't feel like a doc or "team" is being responsive, I'd shop around.
Re the B12, what sort of food is B12 in? The Wikipedia article makes it seem like a pretty short list? I like Braunschweiger but I dunno if I'd eat it all the time?
The main dietary sources of B12 are "fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products." If you are a lacto-ovo-vegetarian (one who eats dairy and eggs), then you can do fine with 3-4 glasses of milk and a half dozen eggs a day. Otherwise, it is really hard and you would be safest to just supplement. Personally, I have been on a liverwurst kick and I probably have enough B12 to sustain a family of 12.
Im not a doctor, i only play one on Tv but I have worked in Labor/delivery for 8 years. If an epidural was inserted wrong ( and it happens frequently) you could have nerve damage( which could heal in time. nerves heal 2mm per 24 hours) But since you stated you had pain since your epidural and your toes are numb, it suggests to me its from the epidural and not diabetes. However this is speculation from your post and my past experience. See your doctor. add it up.> my feet are fine my feet are fine. I have gesstaional diabetes. my feet are still fine. I got an epidural. my back hurts. my toes are numb. to me diabetes is not the issue for this problem.
Hi Bitter-Sweet. I have Pernicious Anemia, and it caused neuropathy in my legs and feet. With PA, you cannot make use of B12 taken orally and need injections (some people use a B12 inhaler thing), which require prescriptions. If you will be taking tests, it wouldn't hurt to take one for PA if only to rule it out. It would certainly be simpler to take supplements, providing that is all you need. My PA was diagnosed years before I was dx'd with Type 1, but oddly enough once I started taking insulin the neuropathy improved, eliminating the pins and needles.
I have three thoughts; it could either be due to my diabetes, it could be due to my vegetarian diet of many years (my whole life) and lack of vitamin B12, or a side effect of my epidural (have been having terrible pains on my spine since delivery)
I presume you will be seeing the doc ASAP after your holidays. Please let us know what the doctor said.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
Thanks! I usually have eggs. Milk sometimes. I'll have to work it in somehow? I have a really good meat store near my houe though...
You have a "good meat store?" What is that? Is that a butcher, or just some whole in the wall used meat store.