Can Sugar increase symptoms of neuropathy

Posted by aunttonipage @aunttonipage, 4 days ago

I am 51 & was diagnosed with PN in July of last year.

I am diabetic, but my A1C has never been over 8.9 & is currently 5.4 (up from 5.0 in October.) My GP says my sugar isn’t causing neuropathy & my neurologist says it probably is.

Anyway, I take 300 mg of gabapentin, 3X a day. Until recently it was well-controlled. Last week I added magnesium glycenate to the regimen.

In December I lost my pet to old age & that broke my heart. My mother also recently had surgery & people were bringing food. So between Christmas, depression/sadness & all the extra sweets, I have had more sugar lately. I am now having the sharp pains in my feet again & really cannot stand to wear shoes/socks for long periods of time. I go back to neurologist this coming Monday.

All this to say - could the increased sugar intake over the past three months have brought on the increased pain, even if A1C is only 5.4?

Do the neuropathy socks help?

What about the creams for the feet?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Zebra | @californiazebra | 3 days ago

It never goes away but I always have an extra bad night if I eat chocolate. A lot more shooting pains, restless leg syndrome and increased insomnia.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

In reply to @aunttonipage "Does it get better when you stop eating it?" + (show)

I think so. I haven't completely eliminated sugar but have reduced what I do eat and don't add sugar to any drinks anymore. It's helped me. Here's an article that explains it a little better.
-- What Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar?
https://www.health.com/nutrition/what-happens-when-you-stop-eating-sugar

aunttonipage | @aunttonipage | 3 days ago

What about alcohol? Can y’all tell a difference with that? I rarely have anything, but just curious.

hoeniebadger | @hoeniebadger | 3 days ago

In reply to @aunttonipage "P.S. I’ve noticed some people recommending exercise. Does that really help?" + (show)

Exercise is a must every day!!!

bjk3 | @bjk3 | 3 days ago

In reply to @mitfit "I am not a diabetic and I have noticed that sugar consumption definitely makes my PN..." + (show)

Hi, @mitfit ~
ME TOO! I'm not diabetic either but during the time between Thanksgiving and February, my PN is more painful than at any other time of the year, and I do find that all the added indulgences seem to be responsible for it. Sigh...
Barb

aunttonipage | @aunttonipage | 2 days ago

In reply to @bjk3 "Hi, @mitfit ~ ME TOO! I'm not diabetic either but during the time between Thanksgiving and..." + (show)

It’s just not fair. Ha

joanthompson | @joanthompson | 2 days ago

In reply to @aunttonipage "P.S. I’ve noticed some people recommending exercise. Does that really help?" + (show)

Exercise is good medicine in itself.

cynthiaw | @cynthiaw | 2 days ago

In reply to @aunttonipage "Really? I thought it just caused fat. Ha" + (show)

Hahahaha! That too, unfortunately.

solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | 2 days ago

Sugar numbs up my feet making it more difficult to walk but then drink a couple of liters of water & things will get better pretty quickly. Stay hydrated!

johnsonje62 | @johnsonje62 | 2 days ago

Sugar absolutely makes my neuropathy worse and I am not diabetic. I am in the low pre-diabetic range with an A1C of around 5.8. I can feel fine and eat a piece of cake and within minutes my neuropathy will flare up.