ian15216
Member
hi there im new to the site,ive had diabetes 2 for 2 years now and ive got pins and needles in my feet,it is really uncomfortable,feels like my socks are all loose inside my boots,is there anyway to lessen the feelings?
-
Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »
pins and needles in feet
- Thread starter ian15216
- Start Date
Winnie53
BANNED
ian15216, that's a great question. So glad you found your way here. I hope you'll stick around to get the support you need as you learn how to manage your diabetes. I can think of no better place to find answers. 
There's much that you can do. The symptoms you're describing suggest a condition referred to as peripheral neuropathy.
For starters, it would be a good idea to let your doctor know about the numbness in your feet so he/she can check your B12 level because some people, particularly older people, develop a B12 deficiency when taking Metformin (which is a very good diabetes drug).
In the meantime, you can begin taking a good quality, well balanced B-complex supplement (that has all eight B vitamins). Perhaps someone here who's familiar with what's available in Scotland can suggest one.
That supplement needs to be taken with 600 mg alpha lipoic acid, once a day.
Now here's the thing... if you have peripheral neuropathy, and those two supplements, the B-complex and the 600 mg alpha lipoic acid, are effective in beginning to heal the damaged nerves that's causing the numbness, you may begin to feel some pain in your feet as the nerves begin to regrow and heal. How long, varies, but I think it was about 3 weeks for me.
Also of help is any type of physical activity you can do on a daily or every other day basis, such as walking, if possible, or swimming perhaps. Any type of exercise that you feel comfortable doing will help.
You'll also find it helpful to learn what foods and beverages are best for getting your glucose levels down, that is, if they're higher than they should be. It's great that you're already monitoring your glucose levels before and after meals. Some people check before meals, then 1 hour or 2 hours after meals. It's up to you.
If you begin taking the above nutritional supplements, and you don't note any change within a couple of weeks, you may need to add to your B-complex two more supplements: vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 (methyl cobalamin which is better absorbed by some people).
Thinking more as I write this, it would be a good idea to ask your doctor to check your B12 level, then if it's low, check it again after you've taken vitamin B12 for a while to make sure your B12 level returns to the normal range.
I or others can make additional suggestions, but I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information at once. You can learn more about using a B-complex and 600 mg alpha lipoic acid to treat neuropathy here...
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-ac...tic-polyneuro-2161-1459-1000241.php?aid=91836
So glad you found us. Please keep asking questions. We'll do our best to support you through this one step at a time.
There's much that you can do. The symptoms you're describing suggest a condition referred to as peripheral neuropathy.
For starters, it would be a good idea to let your doctor know about the numbness in your feet so he/she can check your B12 level because some people, particularly older people, develop a B12 deficiency when taking Metformin (which is a very good diabetes drug).
In the meantime, you can begin taking a good quality, well balanced B-complex supplement (that has all eight B vitamins). Perhaps someone here who's familiar with what's available in Scotland can suggest one.
That supplement needs to be taken with 600 mg alpha lipoic acid, once a day.
Now here's the thing... if you have peripheral neuropathy, and those two supplements, the B-complex and the 600 mg alpha lipoic acid, are effective in beginning to heal the damaged nerves that's causing the numbness, you may begin to feel some pain in your feet as the nerves begin to regrow and heal. How long, varies, but I think it was about 3 weeks for me.
Also of help is any type of physical activity you can do on a daily or every other day basis, such as walking, if possible, or swimming perhaps. Any type of exercise that you feel comfortable doing will help.
You'll also find it helpful to learn what foods and beverages are best for getting your glucose levels down, that is, if they're higher than they should be. It's great that you're already monitoring your glucose levels before and after meals. Some people check before meals, then 1 hour or 2 hours after meals. It's up to you.
If you begin taking the above nutritional supplements, and you don't note any change within a couple of weeks, you may need to add to your B-complex two more supplements: vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 (methyl cobalamin which is better absorbed by some people).
Thinking more as I write this, it would be a good idea to ask your doctor to check your B12 level, then if it's low, check it again after you've taken vitamin B12 for a while to make sure your B12 level returns to the normal range.
I or others can make additional suggestions, but I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information at once. You can learn more about using a B-complex and 600 mg alpha lipoic acid to treat neuropathy here...
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-ac...tic-polyneuro-2161-1459-1000241.php?aid=91836
So glad you found us. Please keep asking questions. We'll do our best to support you through this one step at a time.
Winnie53
BANNED
Here's a little more information on B1 and B12 deficiencies and peripheral neuropathy...
https://www.livestrong.com/article/517254-b1-and-b12-vitamins-to-treat-peripheral-neuropathy/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/517254-b1-and-b12-vitamins-to-treat-peripheral-neuropathy/
Listlad
BANNED
- Messages
- 3,971
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
I had been showing early signs of this along with a few other indicators.
I am glad to say that the tingling and numbness has been reversed. My changes have comprised of recommencing exercise and also dietary changes - by radically cutting out carbs in my diet even though not completely.
I am glad to say that the tingling and numbness has been reversed. My changes have comprised of recommencing exercise and also dietary changes - by radically cutting out carbs in my diet even though not completely.
M
Member496333
Guest
I went one stage further when the tingling and numbness began to subside, straight to excruciating stabbing pains, cramps, throbbing and burning. Often so severe at night that I’d wish someone would lop them off.
For me, the fix was a ketogenic diet. Reversed all pain and remaining numbness in a matter of months.
For me, the fix was a ketogenic diet. Reversed all pain and remaining numbness in a matter of months.
Winnie53
BANNED
Yes, agreed, the sooner Ian begins a well formulated, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet the better. It's foundational to reversing the diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. BUT please understand, when their is a B12 deficiency, diet will not adequately address the vitamin B12 deficiency (which is highly likely because he is taking a medication known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency). In addition, the B-complex will improve his ability to think and to begin learning how to change his diet.
That said, thanks for offering him hope through your success stories.
I did a survey of new books on neuropathy on Amazon a few weeks ago. I found 3 new books that looked promising. They arrived and I'm so excited. One of the books is a real gem, written by a chiropractor who is trained and certified in functional medicine. I'm 44 pages into the book now. I encourage ANYONE who has ANY neuropathy symptoms to get this book. Review to follow in the next few weeks.
The book is A Complete Guide To Understanding, Managing & Improving Your Peripheral Neuropathy (2017) by Dr. Michael Veselak, DC, BCIM, CFMP.
He's also on YouTube and Facebook. Learn more here on his YouTube channel... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqxyQztVsYndQyrKOGnzJQ
That said, thanks for offering him hope through your success stories.
I did a survey of new books on neuropathy on Amazon a few weeks ago. I found 3 new books that looked promising. They arrived and I'm so excited. One of the books is a real gem, written by a chiropractor who is trained and certified in functional medicine. I'm 44 pages into the book now. I encourage ANYONE who has ANY neuropathy symptoms to get this book. Review to follow in the next few weeks.
The book is A Complete Guide To Understanding, Managing & Improving Your Peripheral Neuropathy (2017) by Dr. Michael Veselak, DC, BCIM, CFMP.
He's also on YouTube and Facebook. Learn more here on his YouTube channel... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqxyQztVsYndQyrKOGnzJQ
Listlad
BANNED
- Messages
- 3,971
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- Diet only
Yes, agreed, the sooner Ian begins a well formulated, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet the better. It's foundational to reversing the diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. BUT please understand, when their is a B12 deficiency, diet will not adequately address the vitamin B12 deficiency (which is highly likely because he is taking a medication known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency). In addition, the B-complex will improve his ability to think and to begin learning how to change his diet.
That said, thanks for offering him hope through your success stories.
I did a survey of new books on neuropathy on Amazon a few weeks ago. I found 3 new books that looked promising. They arrived and I'm so excited. One of the books is a real gem, written by a chiropractor who is trained and certified in functional medicine. I'm 44 pages into the book now. I encourage ANYONE who has ANY neuropathy symptoms to get this book. Review to follow in the next few weeks.
The book is A Complete Guide To Understanding, Managing & Improving Your Peripheral Neuropathy (2017) by Dr. Michael Veselak, DC, BCIM, CFMP.
He's also on YouTube and Facebook. Learn more here on his YouTube channel... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqxyQztVsYndQyrKOGnzJQ
Good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- meat
- salmon and cod
- milk and other dairy products
- eggs
Winnie53
BANNED
Yes, of course Listlad. And I have a question for you. If he's already eating those foods, and has a B12 deficiency, where does this get us?
Winnie53
BANNED
The push back I get here - (and everywhere else so please don't personalize this) - when I discuss diet and nutritional supplements is beyond frustrating. And here's why... Just because some people are able to enjoy excellent health with the right diet and without nutritional supplements doesn't mean that everyone can. It's individual.
Despite being born to well educated parents, living comfortably my entire life, and having ALL of my physical needs met, I struggled in school, and beginning in my early adolescent years, my health began to suffer too. Teachers and friends would sometimes comment that I looked "unwell".
Over the decades that followed, I slowly began the long process of piecing together how to improve my health. And I didn't stop there, I launched and facilitated support and education groups to teach others what I was learning.
I also worked as an information and resource specialist for twelve years. Anyone could call me, tell me their health issue, and I'd research it and provide them referrals to local education and support groups, national organizations, and books, giving them HOPE, and the start they needed to begin their long journey to restored health.
Going back to my story, in my early 20's I developed hypoglycemia which was formally diagnosed and addressed with my doctor's advice to include protein in all meals. It worked. In my mid-20's I got pregnant and developed gestational diabetes just before giving birth, and developed preeclampsia the day of my son's birth - (interestingly, research is beginning to reveal that nutritional deficiencies likely play a role... https://www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com/educatethrive/preventing-preeclampsia ). (And in my early 40's I crossed over from pre-diabetes to diabetes)
In my early 30's, after numerous failed attempts at attending college, my dad died and I inherited money. I used that money to be formally evaluated by a clinical and school psychologist. That's how I learned that I have attention, learning, processing, and memory differences despite being reasonably intelligent.
That led to 8 years of being drugged. While one medication improved my functioning, others made me worse, led to more drugs, also a significant 40 pound weight gain over a period of months. Thankfully, during the last 3 of those 8 years, I found a different psychiatrist that took me off all but one of the drugs, and I also worked with a nurse who helped me put together a nutritional supplement strategy that worked. Prior to that, I'd only taken a multi-vitamin during my pregnancy.
Shortly after that I stopped taking medication. Life was good. But interestingly, every time I stopped taking my B-complex, I'd get brain fog. I'd go back on the B-complex, and the brain fog went away. I had to go through this learning process numerous times before I finally "got" that I needed the B-complex to function well.
Why?
Well my first clue was when I had my first Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis) flare in 2000, which I treated with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), thanks to the advice of a brilliant gastroenterologist. My second clue came in 2011 when I was diagnosed with Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and went completely gluten free.
Yet, I still need the nutritional supplements? Why? Don't know. It's likely due to not being able to digest food properly and/or absorb it, but I don't have the money to get the expensive testing to answer that question definatively.
Now, here's a question for you...
Why is it that some people are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy at the same time they're diagnosed with PRE-diabetes? And why is it that I don't have peripheral neuropathy after 30+ years of blood glucose disregulation that has only been well controlled for the last 4 years?
I don't know the answer, but I'm going to speculate that it's partly due to all those nutritional supplements I've taken, more specifically, the B-complex.
Discussing this with my geeky husband this morning, he reminded me of physician Terry Wahl's story and how nutritional supplements, not drugs, not diet, reversed and put her MS in remission, but she today uses diet to maintain her MS remission. I'll try to find and post a link soon...
Despite being born to well educated parents, living comfortably my entire life, and having ALL of my physical needs met, I struggled in school, and beginning in my early adolescent years, my health began to suffer too. Teachers and friends would sometimes comment that I looked "unwell".
Over the decades that followed, I slowly began the long process of piecing together how to improve my health. And I didn't stop there, I launched and facilitated support and education groups to teach others what I was learning.
I also worked as an information and resource specialist for twelve years. Anyone could call me, tell me their health issue, and I'd research it and provide them referrals to local education and support groups, national organizations, and books, giving them HOPE, and the start they needed to begin their long journey to restored health.
Going back to my story, in my early 20's I developed hypoglycemia which was formally diagnosed and addressed with my doctor's advice to include protein in all meals. It worked. In my mid-20's I got pregnant and developed gestational diabetes just before giving birth, and developed preeclampsia the day of my son's birth - (interestingly, research is beginning to reveal that nutritional deficiencies likely play a role... https://www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com/educatethrive/preventing-preeclampsia ). (And in my early 40's I crossed over from pre-diabetes to diabetes)
In my early 30's, after numerous failed attempts at attending college, my dad died and I inherited money. I used that money to be formally evaluated by a clinical and school psychologist. That's how I learned that I have attention, learning, processing, and memory differences despite being reasonably intelligent.
That led to 8 years of being drugged. While one medication improved my functioning, others made me worse, led to more drugs, also a significant 40 pound weight gain over a period of months. Thankfully, during the last 3 of those 8 years, I found a different psychiatrist that took me off all but one of the drugs, and I also worked with a nurse who helped me put together a nutritional supplement strategy that worked. Prior to that, I'd only taken a multi-vitamin during my pregnancy.
Shortly after that I stopped taking medication. Life was good. But interestingly, every time I stopped taking my B-complex, I'd get brain fog. I'd go back on the B-complex, and the brain fog went away. I had to go through this learning process numerous times before I finally "got" that I needed the B-complex to function well.
Why?
Well my first clue was when I had my first Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis) flare in 2000, which I treated with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), thanks to the advice of a brilliant gastroenterologist. My second clue came in 2011 when I was diagnosed with Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and went completely gluten free.
Yet, I still need the nutritional supplements? Why? Don't know. It's likely due to not being able to digest food properly and/or absorb it, but I don't have the money to get the expensive testing to answer that question definatively.
Now, here's a question for you...
Why is it that some people are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy at the same time they're diagnosed with PRE-diabetes? And why is it that I don't have peripheral neuropathy after 30+ years of blood glucose disregulation that has only been well controlled for the last 4 years?
I don't know the answer, but I'm going to speculate that it's partly due to all those nutritional supplements I've taken, more specifically, the B-complex.
Discussing this with my geeky husband this morning, he reminded me of physician Terry Wahl's story and how nutritional supplements, not drugs, not diet, reversed and put her MS in remission, but she today uses diet to maintain her MS remission. I'll try to find and post a link soon...
Last edited:
Winnie53
BANNED
Ian, hope you're able to find your way back here. We're here for you.
Hi @Winnie53
fascinating reading, thanks for posting.
If i may ask a question.
wife complains about her feet, having bought some B12 sublingual
methylcobalamin, for myself, she now takes it and pains has subsided but is still there,
as i found with b12..there seems to be a best delivery method, is any there any particular type or brand you could point to for best benefits ?
fascinating reading, thanks for posting.
If i may ask a question.
wife complains about her feet, having bought some B12 sublingual
methylcobalamin, for myself, she now takes it and pains has subsided but is still there,
as i found with b12..there seems to be a best delivery method, is any there any particular type or brand you could point to for best benefits ?
Winnie53
BANNED
I personally don't have neuropathy (although as I learn more I'm not so sure now).
4 years ago, I was re-diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A1c was 9.9%. In a week's time I learned about and started using a variation of the low carb keto diet (Bernstein), began walking, and found my way here where I got a lot of excellent guidance and support. I continued taking supplements and added new ones as I learned more about diabetes and my other two chronic conditions: IBD (which is in remission; I've only had 2 or 3 flares in 30 years) and subclinical hyperthyroid.
Much to my surprise, not sure when, but shortly after starting the diet, I developed what I would describe as burning pain on top of my right foot that went away, I believe, after 3 weeks. So that makes me think I had the beginnings of neuropathy then. Recently, when I did intermittent fasting that consisted of fasting between dinner and lunch for 10 days, I developed burning pain in some of my toes which went away after a few days. So maybe I have the beginnings of neuropathy again. Don't know.
To answer your question, the B-complex that I use and that I gift to friends and members of my support group who have peripheral neuropathy is a whole food supplement by The Synergy Company. Their supplements are sold online only but unfortunately, they're located in the USA so I don't know how affordable they'd be for those in the UK.
For a while now, I haven't been taking the B-complex because I thought the B vitamins in my whole food multi-vitamin and mineral supplement and my diet which, is very nutrient dense now, was meeting my needs. I'm now rethinking that but am going to have my B levels checked before I restart the B-complex and/or neuropathy formulation.
I just watched the Terry Wahl's interview to share here, and in their study with MS patients, they used...
Vitamin D
Cod liver oil
B complex
Methyl B12, methyl folate
Algae, NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine)
Last night I spent a ridiculous amount of time comparing different neuropathy formulations, in part because I just learned that a friend has peripheral neuropathy in her feet in addition to gastroparesis and she believed that taking a multivitamin that included a methyl B12 was all she needed and that her neuropathy is not reversible. So I'm trying to find a formulation that will work for her because I don't think the B vitamins in my B-complex are methylated. (In the past, she's only responded to the methylated B12).
I will follow up this post with some additional information on neuropathy formulations after dinner. Perhaps tomorrow.
Garden of Life also has a whole food B-complex which may be available in the UK. I've used their products too.
Last edited:
Winnie53
BANNED
Here's the link to an excellent presentation on how Terry L. Wahls, MD reversed and put into remission her progressive MS and is now helping other MS patients improve their symptoms...
Dietary Approaches to Treating Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue with Terry Wahls, MD...
Dietary Approaches to Treating Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue with Terry Wahls, MD...
Winnie53
BANNED
@jjraak these are some of the supplements listed in Dr. Veselak's book to treat neuropathy...
Vitamin B12 - combination of adenosyl/hydroxyl B12 with methyl cobalamin
Omega 3 Fish Oil - 2 grams of combined EPA and DHA; Nordic Naturals is well known for their high quality Omega 3
D3 with K2
Probiotic - rotate to new one every 3 - 4 months
Magnesium
Cucurmin
multi vitamin and mineral supplement
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
I use all of the above, but stopped using probiotics after the first year. The following are supplements he lists that I'm not familiar...
Acetyl L Carnitine - for brain health and overall energy. Helps transport fatty acids
Inositol - assists with the function of the ALA
NOx Senergy - optimizes nitric acid oxide levels in the body. This helps vasodilation and promotes healthy microcirculation
Cituline - Has also proven to be very effective with nitric oxide levels
I find that a B-complex and alpha lipoic acid is often all that's needed for neuropathy in combination with diet and exercise to manage blood glucose levels, but if more supplements are needed, I'd investigate the above listed supplements. Just a reminder...it's always a good idea to run any new supplements by the doctor first, particularly if any medications are being taken.
If the B vitamins and R-ALA isn't enough, I'd buy his book, A Complete Guide to Understanding, Managing & Improving Your Neuropathy (2017) by Dr. Michael Veselak, DC, BCIM, CFMP. I'm only a quarter through the book, but of the 8 or 9 books I've read or surveyed on neuropathy to date, this one has provided the most comprehensive and useful information.
Perhaps your wife would find reading the book helpful. If I had neuropathy, I'd throw everything I've got at it, but that's just me.
Vitamin B12 - combination of adenosyl/hydroxyl B12 with methyl cobalamin
Omega 3 Fish Oil - 2 grams of combined EPA and DHA; Nordic Naturals is well known for their high quality Omega 3
D3 with K2
Probiotic - rotate to new one every 3 - 4 months
Magnesium
Cucurmin
multi vitamin and mineral supplement
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
I use all of the above, but stopped using probiotics after the first year. The following are supplements he lists that I'm not familiar...
Acetyl L Carnitine - for brain health and overall energy. Helps transport fatty acids
Inositol - assists with the function of the ALA
NOx Senergy - optimizes nitric acid oxide levels in the body. This helps vasodilation and promotes healthy microcirculation
Cituline - Has also proven to be very effective with nitric oxide levels
I find that a B-complex and alpha lipoic acid is often all that's needed for neuropathy in combination with diet and exercise to manage blood glucose levels, but if more supplements are needed, I'd investigate the above listed supplements. Just a reminder...it's always a good idea to run any new supplements by the doctor first, particularly if any medications are being taken.
If the B vitamins and R-ALA isn't enough, I'd buy his book, A Complete Guide to Understanding, Managing & Improving Your Neuropathy (2017) by Dr. Michael Veselak, DC, BCIM, CFMP. I'm only a quarter through the book, but of the 8 or 9 books I've read or surveyed on neuropathy to date, this one has provided the most comprehensive and useful information.
Perhaps your wife would find reading the book helpful. If I had neuropathy, I'd throw everything I've got at it, but that's just me.
Last edited:
- Messages
- 19,142
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
Hi everyone,
A number of posts have been moved to create a new thread pertaining to a member's individual separate issue...
@ian15216 ,
Welcome to the forum. (Or what looks like your first post.)
The advice remaining is left souly for you. Feel free to ask any question you wish.
Lowering BGs to healthy parameters can help & possibly alleviate your issue.
Please, (if you haven't already?) consult your Doctor or Diabetes specialist regarding your symptoms.
Wishing you the very best.
A number of posts have been moved to create a new thread pertaining to a member's individual separate issue...
@ian15216 ,
Welcome to the forum. (Or what looks like your first post.)
The advice remaining is left souly for you. Feel free to ask any question you wish.
Lowering BGs to healthy parameters can help & possibly alleviate your issue.
Please, (if you haven't already?) consult your Doctor or Diabetes specialist regarding your symptoms.
Wishing you the very best.
