[benplace]

I found out a year ago I am diabetic. I found out because of numbness in my feet, which continues today. Since then I started exercising, and eating correctly. I have lost over 70lbs from 240lbs to 170lbs and am now in the best shape of my life. I am down to taking one metformin per day and my blood sugar levels are now normal. Everything else is good as well.
I have had back problems my whole life and I tried a new exercise at the gym yesterday that requires you to sit on your knees and twist lifting 100lbs when you twist at the waist. This caused immediate tingling in my feet when I did this. Now I am wondering if I have neuropathy or it could be a pinched nerve?
Would twisting at the waist cause extreme tingling in your feet with neuropathy?

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

One thing I see immediately is your use of metformin. This can cause low B12. So I suggest you get tested ASAP and have the results given to you (don't accept "normal") because labs have not changed their ranges to reflect the new protocols for IDing low B12. You should be at 400pg/ml in US units at least!

Here is a new video that explains how B12 is overlooked in the US today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEiz...ature=youtu.be

This is my B12 thread, with more details:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

This needs attention now.

And yes, your back can contribute to PN damage in the legs and feet. Best to be cautious with heavy resistance at the gym.
Lower weight resistance and more reps is the way to go IMO.

[benplace]

My B-12 was 800 last month when I was tested.

[mrsD]

While this is a good level, it remains that if you cannot methylate you will show a level in the blood that is not working.
The methylation failure (methylation activates B12) is fairly common. 10-30% in US have some mutations in this system.
Using methylcobalamin bypasses these errors.

Also if you do not have the carrier proteins (transcobalamins) the movement of B12 into tissues may be impaired. (this is in the video).

So doing the collateral testing of MMA and homocysteine may be informative. MMA shows if the B12 you have is working. A high MMA reading suggests that B12 is not working properly.

Metformin is known to impair B12 absorption in those taking it.

Since low B12 damage occurs in the spinal cord (as well as in the brain), back symptoms could be compression (mechanical) or nerve related in the cord (low B12 resulting in myelin damage).

Diabetics also lose magnesium in the urine. The reasons for this are not well understood, but it has been demonstrated in studies. So making sure you eat foods that provide the magnesium you need daily, is very important. Low magnesium would impair nerves and muscles, and many other functions which require it in the body. Some drugs like diuretics, caffeine and alcohol also deplete magnesium. Acid blocking drugs for heartburn and GERD block its absorption from food.

Many of our PN posters find improvements by paying attention to magnesium.

[benplace]

Originally Posted by mrsD

While this is a good level, it remains that if you cannot methylate you will show a level in the blood that is not working.
The methylation failure (methylation activates B12) is fairly common. 10-30% in US have some mutations in this system.
Using methylcobalamin bypasses these errors.

Also if you do not have the carrier proteins (transcobalamins) the movement of B12 into tissues may be impaired. (this is in the video).

So doing the collateral testing of MMA and homocysteine may be informative. MMA shows if the B12 you have is working. A high MMA reading suggests that B12 is not working properly.

Metformin is known to impair B12 absorption in those taking it.

Since low B12 damage occurs in the spinal cord (as well as in the brain), back symptoms could be compression (mechanical) or nerve related in the cord (low B12 resulting in myelin damage).

Diabetics also lose magnesium in the urine. The reasons for this are not well understood, but it has been demonstrated in studies. So making sure you eat foods that provide the magnesium you need daily, is very important. Low magnesium would impair nerves and muscles, and many other functions which require it in the body. Some drugs like diuretics, caffeine and alcohol also deplete magnesium. Acid blocking drugs for heartburn and GERD block its absorption from food.

Many of our PN posters find improvements by paying attention to magnesium.

I guess the real question I am asking is If you have PN in your feet as opposed to a pinched or sciatic nerve, would lifting weights by twisting your stomach and back cause your feet to instantly start tingling like crazy? I am debating whether to go see a chiropracter...

[mrsD]

Yes, a compression could do that.

Do you know what a dermatome chart is? It gives a visual map of where the symptoms from various nerve compressions in the back can refer down the legs to the feet.

Here is one from Google:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...QEwBQ&dur=4595

But it is also possible if your spinal cord is not in great shape, it too, could complain with a stressor.

It is also possible to have BOTH problems, since you are diabetic.

Sometimes that big toe which shows up on the map is a key symptom.

You can ask on our spinal board, as we have a chiro who sometimes posts there:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

I think it would be best to get some testing done before seeing a chiro though, so that serious pathology can be ruled out or identified.

[Darlene]

benplace,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Looks like mrsD has given some great place to check out. It nice to hear about the amount of weigh you have lost, way to go.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.