Morning Folks
A brief update for you.
Back in July I started taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), benfotiamin and methyl cobolamine in an attempt to help my neuropathy.
I have previously reported encouraging results and I would now like to add to them.
I noticed a gradual improvement in feeling in my hands, but developed pain in my feet which was not pleasant but I take it as positive sign that the nerve damage is being repaired - albeit slowly. What I also noticed was a step reduction in my FBG levels.
I stopped taking ALA around the end of August - I had run out, cash was a bit tight and I had stocks of Glucosamine and omega 3 I had tried previously, so I replaced the ALA with them.
However, I began to realise that my FBG levels were rising again and I was feeling no further improvement in my feet, and my knee was getting worse. This was all very gradual and it was only when I started to really look back at the figures and in particular when I graphed a rolling 16 day average that I saw the full effect.
At the point I stopped the ALA I had 195 relevant data points, of which:
- 21 (10.8%) were between 6.0 and 6.9,
- 145 (74.4%) were 5 point something
-26 (13.3%) were in the 4s
And my 16 day rolling average was around 5.3
After several weeks without the ALA the analysis became slightly different -
I now had 246 data points, of which:
-29 (11.8%) were in the 6s
-188 (76.4%) were 5s
- 26 (10.6%) were below 5
And my rolling 16 day average was nearer 5.7
I restarted ALA instead of the Glucosamine and omega 3 on 7/10/15 and as of this morning I have 284 data points, of which:
- 30 (10.6%) are in the 6s
-214 (75.4%) are 5s
-37 (13.0%) are below 5
And my 16 day rolling average has dropped to 5.1
For those of you with a mathematical bias I should add I have 3 results above 7 - which were there from the start and I ignored, so the total %age figures will not quite add up to 100.
I also had an annual review just over a week ago and my HbA1c was down to 34 (5.3), my cholesterol is 3.4 total, of which 50% is the good stuff, my vitamin B12 levels were normal and I survived the foot examination with no problems.
Because I believe Metformin can inhibit the absorbtion of vitamin B12 I discussed with both the DN and my GP the possibility of reducing my dose from 4 x 500 daily to 3, or even 2, which both were happy with.
I am currently taking 3 and continuing to monitor my levels, but I think it is fairly clear to me at least that this regime is having beneficial effects and ,maybe addressing a more fundamental problem.
HTH
Tim
I've been on Amitriptyline for the last 10yrs or so and Gabapentin for the last 8yrs or so I haven't experienced any major problems with either sleeping or pins & needles I was diagnosed T2 in 2009 & started Metformin in the same year cos I consider Oestoarthritis my major concern to get on top of i will say that Amitiptlyine was a bit of a ****** to get used to & with gp's advice I took them @ 6pm rather than 10.30pm for about a year till I got used to them I take 600mg Gabapentin 3 times daily no probs @all465I just been through this and have done tons of research.
Neuropathy starts when your BS post prandial goes higher than 7.7.
My neuropathy was so bad that I could not wear shoes and I could not sleep. The dr's put me on Amytriptiline but then I could not wake up in the mornings. It left me too drowsy that I could not function 100%
I went back to the dr who sent me to a neurologist and podiatrist. They then prescribed Gabapentin. I went to collect the pills and when I got home, i started reading the leaflet. There was no way I would take take these pills. I googled them and read many reviews. I did not want to feel like my brain is numb, halucinate or appear slow.
I then was advised to read 'The antioxidant Miracle' by Lester Packer. I bought the kindle version and started reading. I read the book cover to cover in a single day and was so inspired by the stories and research that I was reading.
I went to Holland and Barret and bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, D and E. Tripple Omega and Co Enzyme Q10.
I started low carbing and keeping my bloods as low as possible. I did everything to avoid a post prandial spike. Within 1 week, my neuropathy pain was gone.
I now find that if I have a bout of high blood sugar, even if it goes up to 12 after a meal, the tingling and burning comes back. The other day I had a blood sugar or 26 and the pain returned even worse.
The ONLY way to treat neuropathy is to keep you BS under 7.7 and to take alpha lipoic and vitamin B12.
In Germany all diabetic patients with neuropathy are prescribed alpha lipoic and Vit B12.
I have also been reading stories about men in particular with neuropathy. Most of them have a degree of erectile dysfunction. Some of these men started taking viagra / cialis which improved the flow of blood into the microvascular veins which inturn also seemed to improve neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a serious condition and will only get worse if you just take stuff like gabapentin and do not deal with the cause. You really have to stay below 7.7 at all times.
Hope that helps.
I have not been diagnosed with neuropathy just my gp telling me it's a trapped nerve.I've looked through all postings in this thread and I see no mention of the link between statins and neuropathy.
It was the teaching that neuropathy took years to develop in Diabetes.
My experience was that I developed neuropathic symptoms within 6-9 months of starting oral diabetes therapy [which included Simvastatin].
I had been aware of the Metformin - Vit B12 problem and have taken supplements throughout.
Statins are taken for granted. They are available OTC cheaply from your local pharmacist. Physicians, including Neurologists, might label as diabetic neuropathy, what is in fact, a side-effect of their statin!
Physicians should consider, before adding a diabetic neuropathy label, whether to stop the statin. There is plenty of evidence, in lower risk subjects, that statins are not much use. Better to achieve the anti-inflammatory effect with Omega-3 supplements.
My experience, and that of others I've observed, is that statin neuropathy does not improve immediately on ceasing Rx. It might take 6-12 months. Co- enzyme Q10 probably helps.
Thanks every one for your input. I will consider the pros and cons of your suggestions but the main thing is that you have given me some hope as there are a range of options and some success stories.
The neurologist gave me some suggestions and some options of treatment. He was a very pragmatic and humane doctor as opposed to the ones who like giving you likelihoods etc. and being very clinical. It was his understanding of how my mood s being affected by the intensity of tingling pain I experience which didn't make me think bad about being depressed.
My control as I said is good with my Hb1As running consistently between 4.5 and 4.8. I am on metformin which dramatically improved the sugar levels alongside with exercise. I do at least an hours walking a day and having a dog who is a good walker does help. I am pretty good with my diet as I had high bad cholesterol and high triglycerides. The exercise regime also dramatically improved these too and with the medication I am on,.
Interestingly, metformin can cause malabsorbsion of vitamins and my GP checked my B12 levels and folate which were low but normal despite taking supplements. I am also on PPIs for GORD caused by a hiatus hernia and the reduction in stomach acid also causes problems with B12 absorbsion. I am not prepared for the surgery which is extremely painful, dangerous as the chest wall is invaded and cause nerve damage and only controls the reflux for a very short period of time.
I am on Omicor for the lipid problem too. This is a very high potency Omega 3 medication and is highly regarded by my consultant. The NHS though has recently stopped this as a routine treatment for certain conditions but my GP has kept me on it to keep the cholesterol at bay. I am interested in exploring the options re the other supplements.
Part of the treatment for neuropathy is tight control and my docs are saying that my control is outstanding for type 2. Despite good blood sugars between 6-8 my symptons have not gone away. I have discussed this with the docs and they say that neuropathy can occur even with good control. Vit B12 deficiency also causes nerve pain but I have never been anaemic with good HB levels so it's unlikely that I had folate defficient anaemia.
The last reply was from me babsy2 sorry my fingers slipped I'll b more carefulI've been on Amitriptyline for the last 10yrs or so and Gabapentin for the last 8yrs or so I haven't experienced any major problems with either sleeping or pins & needles I was diagnosed T2 in 2009 & started Metformin in the same year cos I consider Oestoarthritis my major concern to get on top of i will say that Amitiptlyine was a bit of a ****** to get used to & with gp's advice I took them @ 6pm rather than 10.30pm for about a year till I got used to them I take 600mg Gabapentin 3 times daily no probs @all465
Hi ! I had similar difficulties on my right side. Blood sugar level control, Physio exercises and brisk walking for 40 minutes every morning besides some Indian Sidha Home remedies helped me reverse Proximal Neuropathy by 99%. I am not mentioning 100% because many articles in the subject say that complete reversal is not possible.I have proximal neuropathy, affecting my left hip, leg and foot. Initially not diabetic related it worsened considerably with my LADA onset. Done the morphine, codeine etc, refused amitryptiline. Now I'm on BuTrans patches and they have made an amazing difference! 80% reduction in pain with a completely clear head! Occasionally top it up with codeine but only on a very bad day!
Intensive physio followed by daily exercises and forcing myself to walk every day even when in pain has helped the weakness. I no longer have to use a stick.
I also have pernicious anaemia, the B12 injections also have a significant effect - they have almost eradicated that 'walking on hot coals' agony! Sue xx
I just been through this and have done tons of research.
Neuropathy starts when your BS post prandial goes higher than 7.7.
My neuropathy was so bad that I could not wear shoes and I could not sleep. The dr's put me on Amytriptiline but then I could not wake up in the mornings. It left me too drowsy that I could not function 100%
I went back to the dr who sent me to a neurologist and podiatrist. They then prescribed Gabapentin. I went to collect the pills and when I got home, i started reading the leaflet. There was no way I would take take these pills. I googled them and read many reviews. I did not want to feel like my brain is numb, halucinate or appear slow.
I then was advised to read 'The antioxidant Miracle' by Lester Packer. I bought the kindle version and started reading. I read the book cover to cover in a single day and was so inspired by the stories and research that I was reading.
I went to Holland and Barret and bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, D and E. Tripple Omega and Co Enzyme Q10.
I started low carbing and keeping my bloods as low as possible. I did everything to avoid a post prandial spike. Within 1 week, my neuropathy pain was gone.
I now find that if I have a bout of high blood sugar, even if it goes up to 12 after a meal, the tingling and burning comes back. The other day I had a blood sugar or 26 and the pain returned even worse.
The ONLY way to treat neuropathy is to keep you BS under 7.7 and to take alpha lipoic and vitamin B12.
In Germany all diabetic patients with neuropathy are prescribed alpha lipoic and Vit B12.
I have also been reading stories about men in particular with neuropathy. Most of them have a degree of erectile dysfunction. Some of these men started taking viagra / cialis which improved the flow of blood into the microvascular veins which inturn also seemed to improve neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a serious condition and will only get worse if you just take stuff like gabapentin and do not deal with the cause. You really have to stay below 7.7 at all times.
Hope that helps.
Amitriptyline and gabapentin didn't do the job for me, but the combination of duloxetine and pregabalin was amazing.
I found that the neuropathy was particularly bad should my sugars go above 8, so I did my best to always keep them below that level.
Referrals can take a long time, particularly to find the person with the right knowledge, but please don't worry you will, once seen by the right person, get some relief.
Fantastic article,
Can you help me & tell me what doses you take of all 0f the above please-
Kind Regards Rob
hi there, looks like im a little late and just picked up on your post most helpful and most appreciatedI just been through this and have done tons of research.
Neuropathy starts when your BS post prandial goes higher than 7.7.
My neuropathy was so bad that I could not wear shoes and I could not sleep. The dr's put me on Amytriptiline but then I could not wake up in the mornings. It left me too drowsy that I could not function 100%
I went back to the dr who sent me to a neurologist and podiatrist. They then prescribed Gabapentin. I went to collect the pills and when I got home, i started reading the leaflet. There was no way I would take take these pills. I googled them and read many reviews. I did not want to feel like my brain is numb, halucinate or appear slow.
I then was advised to read 'The antioxidant Miracle' by Lester Packer. I bought the kindle version and started reading. I read the book cover to cover in a single day and was so inspired by the stories and research that I was reading.
I went to Holland and Barret and bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, D and E. Tripple Omega and Co Enzyme Q10.
I started low carbing and keeping my bloods as low as possible. I did everything to avoid a post prandial spike. Within 1 week, my neuropathy pain was gone.
I now find that if I have a bout of high blood sugar, even if it goes up to 12 after a meal, the tingling and burning comes back. The other day I had a blood sugar or 26 and the pain returned even worse.
The ONLY way to treat neuropathy is to keep you BS under 7.7 and to take alpha lipoic and vitamin B12.
In Germany all diabetic patients with neuropathy are prescribed alpha lipoic and Vit B12.
I have also been reading stories about men in particular with neuropathy. Most of them have a degree of erectile dysfunction. Some of these men started taking viagra / cialis which improved the flow of blood into the microvascular veins which inturn also seemed to improve neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a serious condition and will only get worse if you just take stuff like gabapentin and do not deal with the cause. You really have to stay below 7.7 at all times.
Hope that helps.
When my neuropathy was bad i started taking Thiamine, this is a very high dose of Vitamin B12 and this really made a difference.
Even though my bloods showed my B12 levels to be fine, it still made a significant difference to the pain.
I maintained good control and the neuropathy resolved itself after 12 months. Sometimes the body just needs time to repair itself.
Worth looking at Benfotiamine, which is a lipid absorbable version of Thiamine. This means that it is more easily absorbed by the body tissues so you don't need as high a dose of it as you do of Thiamine. Thiamine is the water soluble form.
Just be aware that Thiamine/Benfotiamine are Vitamin B1 not B12, which is also known as cobalamin
That's the one I'm talking aboutas it's the absorbable version that you want.
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