Hi, I'm a 79 yo male with Type 2 since 2014 used to have pins and needles in my feet lately its started to climb up my left leg to just below the knee, (the central vein was removed for a triple heart bypass) and the soles of my feet feel like I'm walking on cracking ice (difficult to explain) The nurse for my t2 check last week told me I'm now high risk because I didn't feel the bit of nylon they touch your feet with or the tuning fork thing, but what does that mean? my last blood test 3 months ago I was 55 HbA1c, this week It is 48 HbA1c, (I have stopped eating tinned fruit and fresh fruit on Dr's orders) I have managed to get my weight from 21 stone to 18,10 stone. My question is if I keep dropping my HbA1c and my weight will the feeling in my feet return to normal? I'm so afraid of amputation but have no medic to talk to
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poor feet
- Thread starter dezzer
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Drummer
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- Type 2
The damage done is, allegedly, by high blood glucose, so if you have cut out sources of carbs such as the fruit then there is a chance for the nerves to recover.
I had dreadfully swollen feet and lower legs after having the AZ jab - I thought that I was in serious trouble back then. I used cold/hot/cold shower spray and then massage up to three times a day and that seemed to reduce and then remove the problem and things continued to improve with the colour getting better in the weeks that followed.
I was left with an odd sensation in my feet as though I was stepping on pebbles, but I recently decided to put some cushioning in my shoes, some plastic coated foam under an ordinary insert, and that has really made a difference. I suspect that the inflammation in my feet had caused the biological cushioning I used to have to break down, so my bones were bruising my skin from the inside. It has been just over a week since I put in the innersoles and I am walking around free of pain.
I don't have a recent HbA1c - I was due to have the blood test yesterday but it was cancelled at the last minute, but it has been fairly consistent at the top end of normal, 42, for some time now.
I had dreadfully swollen feet and lower legs after having the AZ jab - I thought that I was in serious trouble back then. I used cold/hot/cold shower spray and then massage up to three times a day and that seemed to reduce and then remove the problem and things continued to improve with the colour getting better in the weeks that followed.
I was left with an odd sensation in my feet as though I was stepping on pebbles, but I recently decided to put some cushioning in my shoes, some plastic coated foam under an ordinary insert, and that has really made a difference. I suspect that the inflammation in my feet had caused the biological cushioning I used to have to break down, so my bones were bruising my skin from the inside. It has been just over a week since I put in the innersoles and I am walking around free of pain.
I don't have a recent HbA1c - I was due to have the blood test yesterday but it was cancelled at the last minute, but it has been fairly consistent at the top end of normal, 42, for some time now.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Welcome @dezzer It’s understandable you’re worried. Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet over time. Controlling your blood sugar will help because it will stop it getting worse. Do you test your own blood sugar at home? If not, you could consider getting a glucose meter so you can test. That way you’ll see the effect certain meals have on your blood sugar and can change your diet a little bit to improve your results. It looks like you’ve improved your HbA1C over the last 3 months so that’s great.
One other thing you might like to ask about is vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of B vitamins can cause or worsen the feelings you’re getting in your feet. Also, take extra care when walking or getting into a bath as you might not feel hot water properly or stones under your bare feet.
Amputation is something that people with diabetes are more prone to but from what you’ve said I don’t think you’re anywhere near that. Look after your feet and check them morning and evening (use a mirror if it’s easier), keep up your diabetes control and contact your GP if you have any problems with your feet.
One other thing you might like to ask about is vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of B vitamins can cause or worsen the feelings you’re getting in your feet. Also, take extra care when walking or getting into a bath as you might not feel hot water properly or stones under your bare feet.
Amputation is something that people with diabetes are more prone to but from what you’ve said I don’t think you’re anywhere near that. Look after your feet and check them morning and evening (use a mirror if it’s easier), keep up your diabetes control and contact your GP if you have any problems with your feet.
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Welcome to the forum @dezzer
Sorry to hear about the pains in your feet
High glucose levels can cause damage to fine blood vessels that supply nerve endings, which can cause changes in sensation, and lack of feeling in your extremities. Sometimes these changes can come on or become more significant where glucose levels change from having been consistently high, to suddenly being in-range.
Many people seem to find that their feelings of nerve pain are reduced if they are able to keep their glucose levels as stable and as in-range as possible, as there seems to be something about elevated or erratic glucose levels that triggers flare-ups of nerve pain. Neuropathic symptoms that result from rapid BG improvements can improve or resolve over time once BG levels have become more stable, I think.
As has been mentioned, one of the major issues with the lack of sensation that you have developed is that you’ll be less aware of any small problems with your feet, like little rubs or blisters, or even bigger things like splinters or other injury. So don’t walk anywhere barefoot, be very careful about the fit and comfort of shoes and socks, and make sure you visually check your feet regularly at least once a day.
There are some tips about looking after your feet here:
www.diabetes.org.uk
Sorry to hear about the pains in your feet
High glucose levels can cause damage to fine blood vessels that supply nerve endings, which can cause changes in sensation, and lack of feeling in your extremities. Sometimes these changes can come on or become more significant where glucose levels change from having been consistently high, to suddenly being in-range.
Many people seem to find that their feelings of nerve pain are reduced if they are able to keep their glucose levels as stable and as in-range as possible, as there seems to be something about elevated or erratic glucose levels that triggers flare-ups of nerve pain. Neuropathic symptoms that result from rapid BG improvements can improve or resolve over time once BG levels have become more stable, I think.
As has been mentioned, one of the major issues with the lack of sensation that you have developed is that you’ll be less aware of any small problems with your feet, like little rubs or blisters, or even bigger things like splinters or other injury. So don’t walk anywhere barefoot, be very careful about the fit and comfort of shoes and socks, and make sure you visually check your feet regularly at least once a day.
There are some tips about looking after your feet here:
How to look after your feet
Your feet are important, especially if you have diabetes. With diabetes, it means you’re much more likely to develop problems with your feet – problems that could end up as amputations. But most amputations can be prevented. If you take good care of your feet and check them regularly, you can...
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