I just learnt through reading that Diabetes has a corolation to nerve damage, anyone out there experience that..

I have been fighting some tingling hands and a constant very numb toe, and something else that goes numb that I am too polite to bring up, as well as the nerves of the skin on my legs hurt. (I am not insane, its like hyper sensitive) I thought I was just getting old.. But now I wonder, I thought it just made you thirsty and blurry eyed.

Does this damage go away, Since I have yet to get diagnosed though I am pretty sure of the outcome, once I get my sugar below 150 will that all correct itself?

Or is the damage diabetes does to nerves very minor? so it isn't very noticable...

Dave,
It sounds like you're already developing diabetic neuropathy. You need to get your blood sugars under control as soon as possible in order to minimize further damage. Sometimes, if you achieve tight control, some of the damage will reverse itself (but usually not all of the damage). Some people have also had relief from taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (do a search on this board for Alpha Lipoic Acid and you'll find info as to how much to take.)

I noticed on your other thread that you've got an appointment in August. I don't think another couple of weeks will make much difference, but do NOT let them put you off. Make sure you get a fasting blood glucose test and, if necessary, a glucose tolerance test (you'll only need that if you fasting should happen to be low when they test it). I strongly believe that you are, indeed, diabetic, and the sooner you start getting treatment, the better. It's quite possible to live a long and healthy life with D, but only if you manage it carefully.

Let us know when your doctor's appointment is and how it goes.

Ruth

Damage is permanant. You can minimize the damage with good control. remember it damages all nerves. A major cause of ED in men.

Hello JustDave4now,

I was diagnosed the summer of '04 and went to the doctor (hadn't seen one for years and years) only because of about a year of lower leg pain and then an annoying feeling like my socks were bunching up under my toes. The doctor estimates (based on my toes) that I had had diabetes for about 8 years and definitely had permanent nerve damage. Two years later I've learned to deal with the discomfort. In fact, even though I immediately got my sugar under control, the symptoms progressed. Apparently, the glucose adheres to the lining of the nerves to a point that even though the sugar in the bloodstream may be under control, damage may continue for a while longer. Apparently, that is my case. Without nerve sensitivity (worse case scenerio) blood circulation is impared and the proverbial infections that can lead to loss of a limb could occur. Get busy now. Don't wait for test results. Start eating a strict diabetic diet now just in case. Getting an HbA1C blood test will tell you and your doctor what is actually going on and in fact your condition is being caused by sugar. If not, at least you can pursue other possible causes.

Just to add to what midlife05 said above about ED and nerve damage, Yes, my sex life is shot!

I have the same thing knacked nerves in my arms, hands, feet and lower legs

what does this ED stand for?

Regards Nigel

ED is erectile disfunction, common among male, long-term diabetics

Hi Walkitoff,

Thanks for your reply, I was wondering,

it is something I have begin to notice that my flag pole only fly at halfmask at times ...lol I just thought may be it was a age thing

I think they are plaining on putting me on insulin very soon cos I can't get mine under control anymore

Ahmm.. not to butt in on a men's rooster party :) but where is everyone in terms of bg levels. Please read Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. You may find many of these symptoms are reversible. He is a type 1 diabetic, dx'd in the 1940's and became a doctor the 1970's when he wanted to publish his way of eating for diabetics. By following his WOE (way of eating) he has virtually normal blood sugars and has reversed his neuropathy (including frozen shoulder). His private practice in new york state is dedicated to diabetes. He is a brilliant, dedicated man. He is now in his 70's.

Hi Lowcarber--thanks for the Bernstein info. I'll check out Amazon Books. My own numbers are very good right now. At the point of my diagnosis (earlier post) I was about 8 years into T2 with an A1C score of 11.5. Now my A1C is well below 6 and the dr has allowed me to discontinue meds as long as my diet and exercise fit the bill. I do have neuropathy--that is what got me to the dr in the first place--that has improved only slightly the past two years. My own dr said that he couldn't make any promises. I will check this out though.

Apparently nerve damage can be reversed by getting the blood sugars down to near-normal levels and keeping them there. But it takes time. The recovery process is slow and can be very painful.

Mark