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Progress but can neuropathy be reversed?

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Yendor

Yendor

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Type 2
Now 5 months in from my diagnosis. Almost continually cold feet. Lousy spring weather. I have now lost 5kg and beer consumption is virtually zero. Do I really have to give up alcohol totally if I want to get old with my feet intact?
 
Congratulations on the weight loss - are you now at your optimal weight?

Once your blood glucose levels are under control (unless it might interfere with any meds you are taking) there is no real reason to not treat yourself to a bevy every now and again. Do you use a spot glucose monitor to track your progress? If not, perhaps this is something you can consider.
 
You might be better changing your tipple to a lower carb option like spirits with or without a low calorie mixer ie Gin and slimline tonic or rum/vodka and diet coke etc or drink wine... ideally medium or dry as these are all low carbohydrate whereas beer and cider are quite high in carbs. So alcohol itself is not the problem. It was your choice of tipple being beer which needed to change or become an occasional treat.

As said, using a BG meter to test the food and drinks you consume will show you what your body will tolerate and what needs to be avoided or relegated to birthdays and Christmas only and learning which foods and drinks are high carb and which are low and then finding low carb ones that you enjoy.... For instance pork scratchings are now a regular treat for me as they are a mixture of fat and protein but no carbs and I love them. No impact on my diabetes and interestingly, since I cut right down on the carbs despite eating lots more fat, my cholesterol has reduced slightly. Cream in my morning coffee is another treat which I have developed to replace having 2 spoons of sugar in it. I enjoy my morning coffee so much more now than I ever did with sugar.
 
As regards neuropathy, I am currently sitting here and my feet are cold and tingly because my levels are too high (currently 9) I need to get out and get some exercise and then they will be better so yes neuropathy can be reversible if yu get your BG levels under control, but it can also depend how long you have suffered it as to whether some permanent damage has been done. Off out for my walk/run now to bring levels down.
 
Yendor said:
Now 5 months in from my diagnosis. Almost continually cold feet. Lousy spring weather. I have now lost 5kg and beer consumption is virtually zero. Do I really have to give up alcohol totally if I want to get old with my feet intact?
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I've been in recovery for 3 years now from an alcohol/drug addiction have type1 diabetes from the age of 10 and I would honestly advise you to stay away from the alcohol to keep yourself safe take care my friend.
 
Thank you all for good tips. My numb feet has crept up on me for the last five years but I did nothing ‘cus I didn’t know what it was. I would really miss my feet so I would do anything to keep them. A brisk walk gets the blood going. I test my bs with a contour gadget and some mornings before breakfast it’s over 9 ! Generally it’s about 7. Nib oatmeal for breakfast. I’m enjoying it. No spuds bread or rice since diag. I like to play guitar in pubs but it was usually accompanied by beer.
Have a great summer everybody. Winters are too long.
 
Hi @Yender,

Unfortunately neuropathy doesn't necessarily go away.
It depends on how much damage has been done.

I am now at 9 months since diagnosis and have peripheral neuropathy which causes me pain and some numbness. I'm keeping it at bay with Gabapentin which unfortunately fogs my brain and leaves me exhausted. Still hoping to recover and get off the pills but I know this may never be possible.

Sorry to be the bearer of negative news. :(
I hope you do manage to get rid of it.
 
I think the best strategy is to try to minimise your BG variability and instability as much as you can - this seems to be the best way to slow the progress of any nerve damage that may have occured.

Some forms of neuropathy / neuritis that result from rapidly improved blood glucose levels may only be transient, so it depends on how yours has developed I think.

Hopefully you can keep your pulses strong and your peripheral nerves happy 🙂
 
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