Hello, thank you for letting me join. I was diagnosed as Type 1 LADA 7 years ago and put on insulin just over 3 months ago as well as continuing Metformin. Severe leg pain at night after a couple of weeks on insulin. Diabetic clinic who have been fantastic have told me today I have I insulin treatment neuropathy. This may get better through time. Has anyone else experienced this? I was told today it is quite rare.
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Insulin Treatment Neuropathy
- Thread starter Alison M
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trophywench
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- Type 1
I'm sorry to disagree with the clinic, but I don't agree that it's rare, really, only that it doesn't happen to everybody.
What occurs in insufficiently managed blood glucose is that over the time that has been the case, gradually the nerves and especially the very fine nerve endings, become numb and if this continues for too long, can actually die. However once life starts to flow back into said nerves and they attempt to heal - it ruddy well HURTS. The same thing happens when you have major surgery and afterwards bits of you feel numb for months and months and then wherever it is, starts to wake up again and you get tingling, pins and needles, and talk about ruddy well itch. All you can usefully do is treat the symptoms and try and keep the blood flowing well in that are - so if it's your legs, don't keep em still for too long but having sat down and relaxed for a wile and then getting on your feet again, do that slowly, not suddenly.
It does get better, and does take time - but not like years.
What occurs in insufficiently managed blood glucose is that over the time that has been the case, gradually the nerves and especially the very fine nerve endings, become numb and if this continues for too long, can actually die. However once life starts to flow back into said nerves and they attempt to heal - it ruddy well HURTS. The same thing happens when you have major surgery and afterwards bits of you feel numb for months and months and then wherever it is, starts to wake up again and you get tingling, pins and needles, and talk about ruddy well itch. All you can usefully do is treat the symptoms and try and keep the blood flowing well in that are - so if it's your legs, don't keep em still for too long but having sat down and relaxed for a wile and then getting on your feet again, do that slowly, not suddenly.
It does get better, and does take time - but not like years.
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Sorry to hear about your neuropathic pain @Alison M
It is something other forum members have experienced following a rapid improvement in average glucose levels. Rapid changes in average glucose can also trigger temporary changes in the backs of the eyes.
Both nerve and eye changes are distressing, but do seem to largely resolve in time in the majority of cases shared on the forum.
Hope your pain and discomfort settles down as your levels continue to improve.
It is something other forum members have experienced following a rapid improvement in average glucose levels. Rapid changes in average glucose can also trigger temporary changes in the backs of the eyes.
Both nerve and eye changes are distressing, but do seem to largely resolve in time in the majority of cases shared on the forum.
Hope your pain and discomfort settles down as your levels continue to improve.
MikeyBikey
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- Type 1
I agree with the comments so far. Who in te clinic told you this "fairy tale"? It reminds me iof the DSN who told me my circulation was fine six weeks before I was diagnosed by PAD. Sadly I find too many DSNs get focussed on one issue like weight, cholesterol and smoking. Hopefully it will improve with good control. If not request a Doppler with ABPI (Ankle Brachial Presufre Index) to check the the circulatiuon as I suspect you should have been on insulin yeaars earlier.
PattiEvans
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Hi @Alison M
I had pain in my toes and fingers after diagnosis and being put on insulin. It was actually the nerves coming back to life. It lasted a few months, but that was well over 20 years ago and I have no problems now. As you were diagnosed LADA 7 years ago I am very surprised you were not put on insulin much sooner.
I had pain in my toes and fingers after diagnosis and being put on insulin. It was actually the nerves coming back to life. It lasted a few months, but that was well over 20 years ago and I have no problems now. As you were diagnosed LADA 7 years ago I am very surprised you were not put on insulin much sooner.
Woodywoodpecker
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I’ve been told I have it, but mine is in backside but don’t get pain, gets hot if go higher and stings if go lower. Have been told can take up to 2-3 years, am hoping not as long as that
Thank you for this. I have noticed blurrier vision.
I was put on Metformin and Gliclazide which I have since found out should have been put o.mn insulin sooner.
MikeyBikey
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Part of the problem is a number of GPs, consultants and nurses are LADAdeniers. A friend was diagnosed diabetic at 60 twenty years ago. Because of age he was diagnosed as Type II by his GP and put on ever increasing doses of Metformin with ever increasing side effects. This was despite the fact he is about 5' 11" and 12 stone, and works out and swims regularly. Subsequently he was re-diagnosed as LADA (Type 1.5) and is doing well on just insulin.
dannybgoode
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- Type 2
Slightly OT but this is interesting. My hello post refers, I had my first diabetic clinic appt only yesterday following a routine GP blood test.
My GP told me immediately over the phone it was T2 and mentioned Metformin etc but referred me to the diabetic clinic anyway.
The clinic, whilst they didn't use the term LADA have assumed T1. Given my medical history (chronic ulcerative colitis) LADA makes sense. They have immediately started me on insulin whilst they carry out the pancreatic function tests required to be sure.
Even if it's T2 they've indicated they will stick with insulin though.
My GP told me immediately over the phone it was T2 and mentioned Metformin etc but referred me to the diabetic clinic anyway.
The clinic, whilst they didn't use the term LADA have assumed T1. Given my medical history (chronic ulcerative colitis) LADA makes sense. They have immediately started me on insulin whilst they carry out the pancreatic function tests required to be sure.
Even if it's T2 they've indicated they will stick with insulin though.
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