Itchy back

[human being]

I am a long term type 2 diabetic on metformine and insulin, i have extremely itchy back which is not getting better inspite of trying different types of creams privided by gp and from over the counter. Hba1c is around 55 . Is it just another effect of diabetes to live with?

 

[Antje77]

I am a long term type 2 diabetic on metformine and insulin, i have extremely itchy back which is not getting better inspite of trying different types of creams privided by gp and from over the counter. Hba1c is around 55 . Is it just another effect of diabetes to live with?

Have you seen a dermatologist to see if this might be unrelated to diabetes?
Itches caused by high blood glucose are usuallly in the more moist and private parts where yeasts are happy with the sweet environment. I've neve heard of diabetes causing an itchy back.

 

[AndBreathe]

I am a long term type 2 diabetic on metformine and insulin, i have extremely itchy back which is not getting better inspite of trying different types of creams privided by gp and from over the counter. Hba1c is around 55 . Is it just another effect of diabetes to live with?

Some folks find Metformin gives them itchy skin. It might be worth trying a different brand even (if your usual brand has changed), or even discuss trying a pause in the Metformin with your Doctor.

If you have been on Metformin for a while, it is sensible to check your Vitamin B12 levels, as Metformin is known to reduce those in some folks. Itchy skin can be a symptom of low B12.

Just a thought.

 

[human being]

Thankyou thats a good idea.will check

 

[Lamont D]

I have an itchy back and arms. A deep burning itch.
I have a theory why for me.
It became worse with a lot of medical issues, of my BG levels going too high, the hypos, of my high anxiety levels and the damage done from my mental breakdown, which impacted on my neurological and nervous system.
As I have got older, it is worse in cold weather.
And as I get tired as well.

I wash every day and use non scented soap etc.
For sleeping, I take an antihistamine.

It is now something I just manage.

 

[human being]

Thankyou for sharing.Its good to know about different possible reasons .

 

[Bogey567]

Have you seen a dermatologist to see if this might be unrelated to diabetes?
Itches caused by high blood glucose are usuallly in the more moist and private parts where yeasts are happy with the sweet environment. I've neve heard of diabetes causing an itchy

This is a bit personal , but do you have a hairy back. Occasionally I do then a bit a hair removal cream works wonders.

 

[Melgar]

Is it just your back that itches @human being or does it appear else where ? Is your skin itchy with a rash ? I suffer with a ‘gluten rash’. Which is very itchy , but burns at the same time. The rash appears if I accidentally consume gluten. It always appears in set areas, either my lumber region, inside my thighs or on my lower arms and elbows. It is symmetrical, that is, if it appears on my right elbow it will also appear on my left one too. It is an immune response caused by gluten. It’s definitely a rash as opposed to simply skin that itches.
Could yours be a skin reaction to a food intolerance or a medication Or sweat maybe, being as it’s your back ?

 

[Deleted member 596235]

Some time ago when I was showering, I had a thought that
the skin on my back wasn't getting the same treatment as
that on the other "reachable" parts of my body. And yes, I
had to buy a back scratcher as I often had itchy patches.

So I invested in an all-natural loofah on a stick, and the itches
seldom occur nowadays after a soapy back scrub.



If you do buy one, ensure it's natural xylem fibre, and not a synthetic.
Also, get one with the wooden backplate, as some cheaper ones simply
glue the stick into one of the holes in the loofah itself.

Hope this helps.