Diabetes risk for bone and joint problems

@ladybugmg

Thank you for this very interesting post. I was not aware of the bone/joint problems being part of the diabetic experience.

Teresa

I have neck stenosis and some back stenosis and arthritic knees. Mother who has gestational diabetes developed all these problems. I feel hopeless. I am terrified of going into hospital for knee replacement. I am considered to be pre-diabetic but the distincion if meaningless becauseI am insulin resistant and cannot eat carbs or sugar. I suffer from depression and anxiety.

I have had Type 1 diabetes since 1956. Don't be afraid of knee replacement, I have had both of my knees replaced. Find a good Doctor, research this because it makes all the difference. And the severe pain you feel now in your knees is definitely worth the little bit of pain you might experience because of the surgery. Do the rehab your Dr. prescribes and you'll love the "New You".
Malinda

@lewin I have not experienced any stenosis or arthritis problems yet but I’m aware of a connection between diabetes and bone issues. I can look for information about that if it would be helpful. I’m concerned that you are insulin resistant and cannot eat carbs or sugar. What tests have you had to confirm this? What treatment plan are you following to deal with these things? Physical challenges like these certainly can contribute to depression and anxiety. No wonder you feel hopeless. Do you have any resources to help you manage?

I am on low carb diet. I think it is doctor who can't accept fact that I am diabetic because my AIC is "prediabetic range". I am on duoxiltine which is dehydrating and don't like to take. Thanks for your response. I have been on anti-depressants and they don't do much. Diabetes and depression are linked. We need more research done on diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Can't wait for Big Pharma to do it.

@lewin, I love the experience and encouragement shared by @cehunt57 and @linda1970.

For some people with prediabetes, a low-carb diet can quickly bring elevated A1C levels back to a healthier range. See this study published in JAMA https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797714

Do you also live with an autoimmune condition as well as diabetes? Or are you referring to latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/expert-answers/lada-diabetes/faq-20057880

I have Type1 diabetes since I was 4 yrs. old.(1956). I have many autoimmune conditions besides diabetes, but I'm sure most are the result of long-term diabetes. I have always watched my diet closely, but do not follow a no-carb
diet. I need to live this life fully and such restrictions is just "not living"!
Thanks for caring.
Linda1970

I have limited resources. Doctors where I live have not done a good job of testing for neuropathies---if you know where I might go would appreciate it. Dr. Vinik at Steiglitz Diabetes Center was very knowledgeable but is no longer practicing. I sent many articles written by him but my doctor ignored. Got some limited testing done here. I also need help with neck as I may need surgery. My mother had these same problems and had gestational diabetes with me. I want to go somewhere will they can deal with both. Now I'm told by my health insurance that I cannot change until enrollment period. I am in a bad situation. I would like to go to Mayo but very far away and they won't accept my medicare advantage plan.

@lewin your posts are in the Diabetes & Endocrine Group in a discussion regarding bone & joint problems. You said that you are pre diabetic. You also mentioned depression and neuropathy. Diabetes can be associated with depression, neuropathy, bone & joint problems plus many other ailments. In your last post you seem to be looking for a provider that can “deal with both”. I went searching for the Diabetes Center you mentioned to try to figure out where you live. That led to to places in California, Virginia, Australia (and others) that specialize in cancer, diabetes, obstetrics & gynecology, psychiatry….. I won’t be doing that again. What I think would be more beneficial for you is to remind your Dr. that you are pre Diabetic, that you are experiencing symptoms of things known to be complications of diabetes (described at the top of this post) and ask if you could get a referral to an endocrinologist who specializes in those things. Are there any endocrinologists in the area where you live? Is there a representative of your medicare advantage plan that can help explain and negotiate coverage / geography?

Thank you but you shouldn't have done this. I can't go into detailed explanation about problems. PCP is unhelpful and medicare advantage plan has limitations. All I can say is that our for-profit system is not good.
Thank you for your efforts to help me.