NeuroTalk Support Groups - Diabetes and Neuropathy

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Diabetes and Neuropathy

Not sure if you have all seen this one yet, but it was new for my file~

Additional causes for distal sensory polyneuropathy in diabetic patients.
PMID: 16484643 Mar 2006

Quote:

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of additional causes of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with DM and DSP during a 5 year period. A quantitative sensory score (QSS) was determined at the initial evaluation and extensive laboratory and EMG studies were performed. Patients with one or more potential causes for DSP were compared to those with DM alone. RESULTS: Fifty five patients (53%) had potential additional causes for DSP. These included: neurotoxic medications (seven), alcohol abuse (six), and B12 deficiency and renal disease (four each). The most common laboratory abnormalities were: abnormally low levels of vitamin B6 (11) or B1 (10), monoclonal gammopathy (eight), and hypertriglyceridaemia (eight). Twenty six (25%) subjects had more than one additional cause. Nine (9%) had three or more demyelinating features on EMG. There was a trend toward a lower QSS score (p = 0.05) and reduced mean amplitude of the sensory potentials in those with additional causes. Those with additional causes more often had upper limb sensory symptoms (p = 0.001) and sensory findings (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: There was a high frequency of additional sources of DSP in patients with DM. These patients more often had sensory symptoms and findings in the hands. Tests that may be useful in the evaluation of DSP in diabetic patients include measures of vitamins B1, B6, B12, serum triglycerides, and immunofixation.
PMID: 16484643

Cara, which tests will catch this type of thing?

I've a feeling that the tests ordered are watching for 'other stuff' but, not this quarter... Is this due to a narrow perspective, or, the need for cost-efficiency?

Nearly all tests show disgusting 'normals' with only 2 variants, which SHOULD have accompanying other variables, but do not. All the meds I'm on should SKEW more #'s than they are showing. Ergo, confusion reigns. My 'chore for the day' is to list out s/e's for the meds & see where the 'intersections' are. I've a feeling that the newest to the mix...mite be the ONE putting things over the edge in that quarter...Plus the B-6.

Good summary, from someone who knows their STUFF & well. Thanks! - j

I got diabetic neuropathy too

Hi

I registered today

I have had type 2 diabeties for 15 years and for a year I have cold, tingly, numbish feet. I hate it.

It is nice to find somewhere, where folk talk about what is going wrong with them. It is scary to have things go wrong with me, but it is easier to cope with when I can read about the same health problems happening to others because I feel less alone and less afraid.

I am 50 and am walking very slowely with a walking stick. I really, really hope my Dr is right and the slow walking is just due to soft tissue damage and in a year I will be walking as I used to 3 months ago. I don't mind waiting a year. I just hope I get back to normal and it is not as a result of neuropathy.

Debra Jane? Got a hot water bottle or a hair dryer?

Do a very LOW warm to help you thaw out. That's what I do. You have to be careful about heating pads and stronger heat sources as you could very easily burn yourself. That and lots of light external insulation! Lite blankets, socks and such. I'd found that early on? I'd be either soo cold as to turn blue or soo hot as to be beet red! Damp wash cloths on the hot sites let a slow evaporation do a job gently. AND then? You can go from HOT to COLD in minutes without warning. So? Be forewarned?
I hope we all here can help you with all your hurt, and don't please, be shy about asking questions! We all hurt. Many in different ways? But we try to help each other as best we can. :hug::hug::hug:'s - j