Diabetic feet

[Wurst]

I've been told I have diabetic feet(right foot only) by my endo. I don't understand how this happened as my control is good HBA1C ~ 5 for the last 13 years.

Went to a podiatrist today and she said everything is fine, despite my symptoms which are....
Occasional pain bottom of foot , doesn't really bother me at the moment.
Fluid feeling on ball of foot .
A swollen big toe ~ 2 months.
Walking is uncomfortable in shoes.
Inactivity leads to a numb feeling.

I initially thought I had edema based on the fluid feeling, but this was dismissed out of hand. Based on symptoms it doesn't appear to be neuropathy.

Not sure what to do now. Currently doing the following:-
High dose vitamin B and C0q10 for circulation.
Daily foot massages in a machine
Walking in massage 'slippers' , this is pure pain.
Daily epsom salt foot baths.
Daily walks or cycling.
I tried L-arginine for circulation improvement , but had to quit as it gave me sore throat.


Any one related or have tips ?

 

[Newlysweet]

Just a query - HBA1C ranges from the 30s in non dabetics, through the 40s for pre diabetes/good control, above 50 for less good control. Do you mean yours has been under 50? Because that might mean your sugars have been high enough for long enough to cause foot circulation to be impaired.
Sorry you’re having to deal with this - I don’t really know much about it, did your team have any advice?

 

[Newlysweet]

Sorry - just realised that you probably mean HBA1C 5%. I would get a medical opinion!

 

[Prancy]

I've been told I have diabetic feet(right foot only) by my endo. I don't understand how this happened as my control is good HBA1C ~ 5 for the last 13 years.

Went to a podiatrist today and she said everything is fine, despite my symptoms which are....
Occasional pain bottom of foot , doesn't really bother me at the moment.
Fluid feeling on ball of foot .
A swollen big toe ~ 2 months.
Walking is uncomfortable in shoes.
Inactivity leads to a numb feeling.

I initially thought I had edema based on the fluid feeling, but this was dismissed out of hand. Based on symptoms it doesn't appear to be neuropathy.

Not sure what to do now. Currently doing the following:-
High dose vitamin B and C0q10 for circulation.
Daily foot massages in a machine
Walking in massage 'slippers' , this is pure pain.
Daily epsom salt foot baths.
Daily walks or cycling.
I tried L-arginine for circulation improvement , but had to quit as it gave me sore throat.


Any one related or have tips ?

Did you check vitamin B levels before you took them? I ask because I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency that was causing some symptoms. Neurologist has me on a daily, large sublingual dose. AND, he had my B6 tested because too much B6 can cause significant damage including neuropathy symptoms. He’s so wary of B6 being too high that he’s advising me to refrain from any supplement, even though I’m borderline low. He says going over is not worth the risk. B12 excess is considered fine, since the body processes and discards it. So, I’ll be on it for life.

I hope they can figure out your situation. My situation is similar to yours.

 

[KennyA]

I had neuropathy with an HbA1c of 43 or 44. It happens. I still have some, which might be permanent, and my HbA1c hasn't been above 40 in nearly five years.

 

[Prancy]

I’ve read that neuropathy occurs in people who don’t have diabetes. Also, can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, spinal conditions, viruses, etc. My neurologist believes mine is from B12 deficiency. I also have post covid syndrome and Type I diabetes. Since starting treatment on B12, some of my symptoms have improved. My BG is pretty good too, so….I’m not sure really of the cause or prognosis. After treatment , I had marked improvement in my digestion, smell/taste, stinging hands stopped, etc. I’m trying to address my nutrition, BG levels, exercise and overall health.

 

[Wurst]

Did you check vitamin B levels before you took them? I ask because I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency that was causing some symptoms. Neurologist has me on a daily, large sublingual dose. AND, he had my B6 tested because too much B6 can cause significant damage including neuropathy symptoms. He’s so wary of B6 being too high that he’s advising me to refrain from any supplement, even though I’m borderline low. He says going over is not worth the risk. B12 excess is considered fine, since the body processes and discards it. So, I’ll be on it for life.

I hope they can figure out your situation. My situation is similar to yours.

No this is a good suggestion. I'll go to my GP about this. I've been taking Melatonin with B6 for sleep issues.

 

[Prancy]

No this is a good suggestion. I'll go to my GP about this. I've been taking Melatonin with B6 for sleep issues.

Oh, then please check the B6 asap. My neurologist was very cautionary about it causing neuropathy symptoms. He said it’s usually reversible though. Hopefully, your doctor can figure it out, if that’s the case.

When my symptoms started, I saw my first neurologist, who did a lot of tests and said I did NOT have neuropathy. later, when my symptoms progressed, I saw neurologist number 2 and he diagnosed my B12 issue. Sometimes, doctors can’t be certain of the cause. It doesn’t have to be due to diabetes. They have ruled out autoimmune being the cause, though I am type I. Spine issues can also be involved. So….idk.

i’ll look forward to seeing how things go for you. This has been extremely stressful for me.