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T2 neuropathy and BG 50mmol/mol

W

witchazell

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I have been t2 for 10 years, started off diet controlled but more recently taking Metformin (1000mgx2 day). I've had tingling and pain in my toes, feet for years and it's gradually getting worse, even though my BG control/weight is better (currently weight is withing normal range).
Does anyone else have this? My doc just shrugs and says it's bad luck... But I feeI i'm doing everything I can and following advice to keep BG controlled and exercise but nothing is working. I feel hopeless and like nothing will change. I'm only 53, what's the outlook if it's this painful now?? My B12 is fine and healthy in all other respects... I have been on hrt for a couple of years is anyone else in this position?
 
No replies to my query about neuropathy-does anyone else have this, with Ok BG control?
Its very worrying and its getting worse, more painful and keeping me awake at night. I also have very painful plantar fasciitis.
 
Are you on medication for the neuropathy @witchazell ? Has it been definitely confirmed as neuropathy? Have you had blood tests to rule out deficiencies of other B vitamins? A relative had neuropathy due to other deficiencies and it went once those were addressed (not diabetic).

There are natural supplements you could try. I’ll find the list I posted and post in a moment.
 
Here we are @witchazell :

My relative had neuropathy (non-diabetic) and took 600mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid a day. Started with 200mg then built up to the 600mg per day. They also took Benfotiamine and a few other supplements I can’t remember now, but those were the main ones plus Vit B12 and a B Complex vitamin. I think they also took CoQ10.

The recommendation was actually 800mg ALA a day, but it’s not cheap and the 600mg worked for them.
 
witchazell said:
No replies to my query about neuropathy-does anyone else have this, with Ok BG control?
Its very worrying and its getting worse, more painful and keeping me awake at night. I also have very painful plantar fasciitis.
Click to expand...
My other half wears orthotic insoles in his shoes, they cured to plantar fasciitis pretty immediately. He had an assessment at a Scholl/Shiropady shop. I don't know if they still exist but worth a visit if you have one near you.
 
Hi @witchazell - I have steadily worsening neuropathy in my face with my diabetes under good control. There never has been any suggestion from the neurologists that the neuropathy is related to the diabetes, in fact they have absolutely no idea what might be the root cause of it. I have come to the conclusion that current methods of assessing neuropathy are too crude to see anything other than massive neural deterioration, getting to the point where it is becoming debilitating.

For those of us who can still function despite the neuropathy, we get the wait and see what happens treatment.
 
Docb said:
Hi @witchazell - I have steadily worsening neuropathy in my face with my diabetes under good control. There never has been any suggestion from the neurologists that the neuropathy is related to the diabetes, in fact they have absolutely no idea what might be the root cause of it. I have come to the conclusion that current methods of assessing neuropathy are too crude to see anything other than massive neural deterioration, getting to the point where it is becoming debilitating.

For those of us who can still function despite the neuropathy, we get the wait and see what happens treatment.
Click to expand...
When I ask my doctor about why I would have this when my BC is relatively well controlled, I'm not overweight and I do regular weight training and cardio exercise, he shrugs and says its unlucky but not uncommon. He has tested me for various vitamin and mineral deficiencies (including B12), thyroid and coeliac disease. Everything has come back normal. He is just offering amitriptyline, or duloxetine which I feel quite worried about taking.
 
Docb said:
Hi @witchazell - I have steadily worsening neuropathy in my face with my diabetes under good control. There never has been any suggestion from the neurologists that the neuropathy is related to the diabetes, in fact they have absolutely no idea what might be the root cause of it. I have come to the conclusion that current methods of assessing neuropathy are too crude to see anything other than massive neural deterioration, getting to the point where it is becoming debilitating.

For those of us who can still function despite the neuropathy, we get the wait and see what happens treatment.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply-I thought I must be the only one who has this, I am really scared-you are right it seems the medical profession are just in the dark about what causes this. Though my doctor is adamant that its T2 diabetes-despite the fact that I have no other symptoms and my optician is astounded about how healthy and "non-diabetic" my eyes are.
 
Leadinglights said:
My other half wears orthotic insoles in his shoes, they cured to plantar fasciitis pretty immediately. He had an assessment at a Scholl/Shiropady shop. I don't know if they still exist but worth a visit if you have one near you.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this I will look into orthotics
 
Inka said:
Are you on medication for the neuropathy @witchazell ? Has it been definitely confirmed as neuropathy? Have you had blood tests to rule out deficiencies of other B vitamins? A relative had neuropathy due to other deficiencies and it went once those were addressed (not diabetic).

There are natural supplements you could try. I’ll find the list I posted and post in a moment.
Click to expand...
My GP is convinced that it is yes, though I haven't had any specific tests.
 
witchazell said:
My GP is convinced that it is yes, though I haven't had any specific tests.
Click to expand...

Unless it’s contraindicated for you, try the supplements I mentioned @witchazell Alpha Lipoic Acid is actually prescribed for neuropathy in continental Europe. If you can, give it a try and see if it helps.
 
witchazell said:
When I ask my doctor about why I would have this when my BC is relatively well controlled, I'm not overweight and I do regular weight training and cardio exercise, he shrugs and says its unlucky but not uncommon. He has tested me for various vitamin and mineral deficiencies (including B12), thyroid and coeliac disease. Everything has come back normal. He is just offering amitriptyline, or duloxetine which I feel quite worried about taking.
Click to expand...
Again my experience - other experiences are available - is that when it comes to medications to try and relieve the symptoms it is mostly done by trial and error. You take more and more of a particular pill and if you are lucky the neuropathy is relieved before the side effects become more unbearable than the neuropathy. If you are unlucky you move on to the next pill and try that. I've lost count of what I have tried and nothing has had much effect. Amitriptyline and duloxetine are on the list.

Sorry to sound a bit downhearted but it might just be that you will have to live with it.
 
Gabapentin or Pregabalin can be prescribed for the pain - Pregab appears to be a bit kinder 'gastrically' than Gab, for some folk.
 
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