instant neuropathy
 

There has got to be someone out there who has experienced this or can shed some light on the problem. On March 1, 2007 I was diagnosed t-2 . The previous year I was pre-diabetic. I had no diabetic symptoms and the t-2 was diagnosed from my yearly physical. I started my oral med on March 15 and My glucose levels responded very well immediately. After a period of about 1 week I started experiencing Neuropathy symptoms! Burning pain in my feet, legs ,hands, arms , some so intense that I am now taking Lyrica for the pain. This neuropathy was literally overnight and It sure seems strange that it occurred so quickly and completely upon good control. Any clues?

hi flsun01. welcome to neurotalk.

here is the link to our PN forum. i know some there have diabetes. i;m sure they will be of great help.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

flsun01--
 

--neuropathy linked to diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance does not always occur slolwy and insidiously; it can happen quite abruptly, especially to those who are newly diagnosed and are suddenly attempting to get blood sugar levels under control, especially through medications.

Take a look at:

http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromusc...etes.htm#acute

http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/2001/May/_pdf...-may-cme-2.pdf

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/lin...7.2003.03009.x

thank you glenntaj
 

Well , thnx glenntaj , I figured there had to be some kind of explanation for my rapid decline. My GP says; " well it is neuropathy", hell I knew that before I got there! I just wanted an explanation as to why I felt like hell within a WEEK of starting my medicine. I had my first follow-up lab last week and my a1c is 6.6, the doc is raving about how great my numbers look and I am dying of pain! Looks like you can lower glucose too much and too fast. My nerves seemed to be a lot happier in their old enviroment of glucose and high lipids lol!

Please check out the PN boards
 

We have diabetics, and all other sorts there.. and I like to think we're all a bit nuts about and with the pain! - j

I had acute onset of PN symptoms, mine was caused by prediabetes & low b12.
I wouldn't have a clue how long i was in a prediabetic state, maybe years i was damaging my small fibres nerves before they were really damaged which of course brought on PN symptoms, with like eletrict zaps, intense burning, and numbness on the soles of my feet.
That was roughly 4 years ago, i went off all high sugary carbs, eat a sensible diet, some exercise in the local pool [ non weight bearing] lost a fair bit of weight and have successfully reversed the prediabetic state, i very seldom get any burning, probable once in a blue moon :) no more zapps or anything elseassociated with PN.
Prediabetes can be reversed and nerves can and do regenerate once there in the right enviroment, but they do take some time.
good luck
Brian :)

exactly what drug are you taking...
 

post it or PM me and I will research it for you.

The most commonly used oral agents are related to sulfonamides. If you have allergies to sulfa or are intolerant to them, it could be a factor.

Diabetics are often low in magnesium as well, and inositol. (lost thru the urine).

Metformin causes acidiosis in some people, which can lead to tingling in the hands/feet.

But I need to know which drug you are on to look more up for you.

hello MRS D
 

Hello..MRS D I am taking Glucovance 5/500 , at first the doc prescribed 5/500 twice a day ( breakfast and dinner ). The first dose I took resulted in a hypoglycemic experience. So, doc suggested simply taking 1/2 pill at breakfast and starting the other half after a few weeks. About a week after regular dosing with half at breakfast I had " mild neuropathy " in the lower limbs, I simply figured I had overdone my treadmill workout , anyhow the symptoms left after four nights. I started the second half exactly four weeks later and all hell broke loose in about a weeks time....

I am sorry to be late coming back....
 

Lots of stuff seems to fall all at once on me now and then! :o

What may be happening, is that sudden change in blood sugars and perhaps some hypoglycemia is causing your sensory changes. When blood sugar dips suddenly numbness/tingling can be a signal.

You may accomodate to this. It should not be progressive.

Another thing is that metformin (which is in Glucovance) does impair B12 absorption, but that would occur over time. If you are marginal or low to begin with, it will make it worse.

So taking a 1mg methycobalamin tablet (see our vitamin forum) may help you in that regard.

I would keep a journal as to when you have the PN symptoms. Whether they come and go, during the day, for example. If you see any progression you should contact your doctor. It is possible this is an adjustment issue, and it may fade away. I hope so, for you!

Here's my 2 cents
 

Well, I've dealt with type 2 diabetes for years now. I was also put on the Metforim, after just a few days I had bad symptoms so I stopped taking it. Have you considered just controling with diet & exercise? Your doc has now put you on another drug to counteract the effects of the first drug right? Has this doc even bothered to test your B12 levels? If so, what were they?

Doctors are NOT very knowledgable about diabetes (my experience). Lab results are NOT always accurate. I've learned this the hard way.

If you are using a treadmill-good for you! Eat low-carb & keep track of your daily testing,judge for yourself what works & what doesn't. Don't be afraid to say no to drugs. Heck, the news past few days has been about 2 diabetes drugs that are killing people! And the FDA knew about this several years ago!

We sometomes have to do the research & use common sense. Doctor's do not research the drugs they prescribe,they base our health care on what the drug reps push!

Good luck & don't panic. Get some cheap B12 & see if that helps you. Be your own advocate,don't be afraid to say no to taking drugs. Be aware of your own body,if you feel good then you are doing something right. If you take a pill & don't feel good then something is wrong eh?

Buttons
P.S. I hope you are fully aware of the symptoms of consuming aspartame products also. If you use diet products please research the harm they may be causing-including severe nerve damage.