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Balance problems.

Hi @Futcher and welcome to the forum.

Can you explain what you mean and when this is happening.
Your profile does not tell us which type of diabetes you have, how long you have been diagnosed, if you have any other conditions and if you are taking medications.
 

I have been a diabetic for 2 years all fully under control and doctor is more than happy with my results every 3 months, I am a type 2, a couple of months ago I got out of my chair at work and was slightly unbalanced , i have been to have a MRI scan and nothing found. I was told that the problem could be Peripheral Neuropathy which is connected to Diabetes, I have not been told to do anything further and was wondering if anyone has had this problem I feel totally embarrassed as when I walk I can not walk in a straight line and it looks like I am drunk.
 
unfortunately, D can be an excuse for HCPs to fail to investigate further on matters as they put it down to a "not unknown side effect of diabetes"
I am tempted to tell my HCP that i have grown a third testicle to test this hypothesis
 
Futcher said:
Anyone experience a unbalance problem
Click to expand...
yes,I do. due to diabetes.I realised something weird in my feet & asked GP for advice she told me that I have early Neuropathy.
It make you unbalanced specially when walking.Legs give out suddenly it is frightening when that happens.I don't know when it strikes
I slow down my walk & stop,or hold on to something or someone I usually go out with a family member.
I was told this is due to side effects of the medication/tablets.
.
 
I'm not a Type 2, so sorry for jumping in on this, but if my GP was at a loss as to what a serious symptom was and was explaining it away as a diabetic complication with no evidence whatsoever, I'd ask to be referred to a diabetes specialist to see whether they can give you the evidence to back up your GP's theory. Otherwise, it needs further investigation in case it is something not connected with your diabetes.

Smidge
 
Hi @ally1 I've found this too.
I'm getting concerned that my gp isn't aware my balance is out too. He knows about bulging discs but not balance problem nor ribcage lumps causing pain when tramadol wearing off.
I think I need to make an appointment.
 
ickihun said:
Hi @ally1 I've found this too.
I'm getting concerned that my gp isn't aware my balance is out too. He knows about bulging discs but not balance problem nor ribcage lumps causing pain when tramadol wearing off.
I think I need to make an appointment.
Click to expand...
Please do see your gp.
I am seeing my gp on the 14th. I doubt he will or say anything that will help me
 
Ribcage lumps should be investigated. If GPs do not know of cause.. say to them you are scared and would like some answers and further investigations as a priority. This is important if you also have ribcage lumps.
 
@Futcher

Hello and welcome to the Forum Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope this will be helpful to you. Ask more questions and someone will be able to elp.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 250,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 
Hi Futcher. May I ask was your MRI specifically on your brain? There are a number of conditions that cause poor balance and if the cause lies in the balance organs of the ears then a specific MRI is ordered. Do you experience dizziness alongside the poor balance? How is your BP?
 
I'm not sure Futcher is still activily posting still. I resurrected this post to try and find some answers about unbalanced walking and wobbly legs and feet complaint.
I also have aching ribs, back, shoulders with pelvis and back with bulging discs.
It could be nerve damage or suppressed nerve from bulging discs but ribcage maybe something else.
My poor gp. Always something. I think breathing is affected by ribcage lumps and aches.
 

There are quite a few conditions that cause problems with balance, I can only help with knowledge I have on my own illnesses. As you do not mention dizziness tinnitus or loss of hearing then that rules out the condition I was thinking of.
As for the pain and lumpy ribs, sorry, I'm at a loss. I wish I had some ideas for you as you must be really struggling with these symptoms. Hope you find some answers.
 
ickihun said:
Hi @ally1 I've found this too.
I'm getting concerned that my gp isn't aware my balance is out too. He knows about bulging discs but not balance problem nor ribcage lumps causing pain when tramadol wearing off.
I think I need to make an appointment.
Click to expand...

I've had a balance problem for years, but none of your other complaints. Nothing to do with diabetes. It is a form of vertigo. Sometimes when walking I veer to one side, particularly if I am either looking up or straight ahead, or changing direction. If I am looking at the ground a few yards in front of me it doesn't happen. Once I veer off course, I can correct it immediately.
 
Weak right leg and foot is obvious to the physiotheraphist. I have exercise for leg strengthening and to keep my upper back flexible. So I guess related to bulging discs.
I will mention left side too.
I do veer off without crutch and feel I'm falling so put my hands out for support. I look drunk so prefer the crutch support but when my leg goes numb with toes, off and on. So crutch is needed to get around outside. Mores the pity. I'd like to get rid of it.
When I reduce the 8 tramamol tablets daily the back and right leg pain comes rushing back. So back on 8 today.
The weak wobbly legs and right baby toes feel weird does worry me.
2 small toes feel different to other toes. Not hot, nor tingling, just different. However weakness in both legs lately so feel it's getting worse.
 
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