Diabetic neuropathy

Hello @zaph, Welcome to Connect. I don't have diabetic neuropathy but do have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy with only numbness and some tingling which I've had more than 30 years now. I can relate to wanting a layman's explanation for the many questions one has when they start their journey with neuropathy. The trick is finding reliable medical information since there is so much out there if one only relies on Dr. Google.

My two favorite sites for learning more about neuropathy when I have questions:
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/
-- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview

Easy to understand explanation of small fiber peripheral neuropathy by Matthew B. Jensen. Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Wisconsin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh3xQ8Fk1-o. He also has many videos on his YouTube channel that provide easy to understand explanations: https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewBJensen/videos

There are quite a few discussions related to diabetic neuropathy that you might find helpful to scan through to learn what others have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=diabetic%20neuropathy.

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a lot of webinars on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforperipheralneu4122). Here are two that you might find helpful:
-- FPN Webinar Demystifying Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with Rodica Pop Busui, MD, PhD

Thanks John, those links have saved me days of searching the web. You are right about Dr Google, I am finding very hard to find a competent doctor or even to assess competency.

Yes, I have made a lot of lifestyle changes over the years. Initially I did not take diabetes seriously enough, just take the pills and give up the small amount of sugar that I ate. My diet has always been full of fruit, vegetables, pulses, good meat and dairy with vey little highly processed food. My sin was quantity not quality.

When diabetes was diagnosed I was 15kg heavier than now. My life was too sedentary. Nine months ago I gave up alcohol totally. My weight strength and flexibility are still not what they should be. Covid changed my life a lot.

Hello Zaph, I have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes some years ago. 84 years, 1m 75cm, 74 kg. AiC around 7.2, MD considers that satisfactory for someone my age. Overall health pretty good. I think I developed diabetes as the result of a very sedentary lifestyle and sloppy diet. Anyway until a few months ago tingling in my feet was quite painful when I was going to bed, sometimes I even had to take an Aleve. Recently I have taken more walks, around 8K-10K a day, and my tingling has nearly disappeared. Feet are still somewhat insensitive but even that is disappearing. Diet: no more sugar, limited carbs. I am taking supplements but results uncertain,

Hi all,
As a mostly uncontrolled diabetic for 25 years, I’ve caused a lot of health issues; from kidney transplant to eye damage and now for about 3 years diabetic PN.
I’ve scoured the internet and the symptoms for PN seems to be numbness, loss of balance and weakness of muscles.
I have some symptoms that seem to go beyond that- can anyone let me know if what i’m about to describe of my symptoms are normal for PN.
leg feels extremely heavy and i can barely walk. If i stay siay stagnant for more than 15 minutes like sitting on a chair, my legs seem to have lost all power usually requiring me to start slowly moving my legs til my legs start to function better. Is this normal?
What are the phases of PN and how long does it take to get to the worst?
Thanks!

Hello, Welcome to Connect. You will notice that we merged your post with an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can connect with others with diabetic neuropathy and read what they have shared. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Diabetic neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diabetic-neuropathy-3/.

You might also find these 2 webinars on diabetic neuropathy from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy helpful.
-- FPN Webinar Demystifying Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

i am otherwise healthy active 48 old male
i have dm2 for close to 16-18 years i kept hba1c less than 6 but came to know few years ago that my postprandial spikes are not good and developed neuropathy - assumed from DM

my hba1c are like 5.7 tried to keep PP spikes less than 160 . i use lyrica XR 160 does not give much relief , i bite in 3/4 tab at night times

i found metanx which is a nutritional food which has b6 b12 actives doses and folate or products with high doses of b6 or b12 on amazon like sugar md neuropathy is what really gives me relief .

any one in similar boat ?

any concerns with b6b12 high doses i use like 15-20mg of b6, 250 micrograms of b12 .
did any one of you get any testing done ?
any good mayo clinic doctor who is good is managing for diabetic neuropathy online ?

i saw neurology they basically told its small fiber from dm and did nt reopens any testing
kind of annoying especially at work all dressed up in shoes?
any input is appreciated

thanks much !!

Hey there, I’m type 1 and haven’t been officially diagnosed with neuropathy, but have something. I have been diagnosed with B12 deficiency and post covid syndrome. Don’t have pain, but still find sensation uncomfortable.

Why are you taking B12, were your levels tested and did anyone address how excessive B12 can be problematic? My neurologist instructed me to not take it. Just curious.

usually diabetics have low b12 from metfirmin and other related .

with diabetic neuropathy , high doses of b12 and b6 may alleviate the pain and even can repair nerves . pls read studies on metanx and diabetic neuropathy

they are water soluble so any excess you loose in urine unlikely to cause side effects unless taking super high

Hello @goutham4321,

I combined your discussion on Diabetic Neuropathy with another discussion of the same title:

"Diabetic neuropathy"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diabetic-neuropathy-3/

I did this so you could meet @zaph who started this discussion and to see what other members had to share when Zaph shared his story.

thank you !