Odd tingling in hands???

We are often diabetic long before we're diagnosed, so it is possible to incur nerve damage before diagnosis. This can manifest itself with numbness or tingling. However, lowering your BGs and keeping them low can reverse nerve damage in some cases, and stop it getting any worse. What is just as likely is that you're more aware now of any tinglings that can come from a number of reasons simply because you're looking out for them now you're diagnosed. I know I tend to put anything I experience now down to diabetes complications that I would probably have ignored as "one of those things" years ago - and probably was. If you're worried though, see the doc. They can send you for scans to check for nerve damage if they think it's an issue. They tend not to over here unless it's a major problem, because even if there is minor nerve damage the treatment for minor damage is just to maintain good BG control, which is what we're trying to do anyway.

I have been seeing GPs and consultants for a year about my hands which hurt like hell. I still have no real diagnosis.

It was because of these tests that it was discovered that I was diabetic (7.4%).

Not dermatitis (GP's diagnosis).
Nerve conductive studies indicate not Carpal Tunnel and not diabetic neuropathy.
Rhumatoid factor positive but CCP negative indicating not arthritis (at the moment at least).
X-rays indicate little bone damage.
Iron studies. Normal.
CPK (muscle) and CRP (imflamation) tested twice and normal.
Uric acid. Normal and not gout.
Grip strength tested and normal.
Synovitus tests. Normal.

Tentative diagnosis is diabetes and arthralgia together, but basically no more is known. Physiotheraphy is to be arranged. Ibuprofen gel helps.

Do not be too quick to conclude that the problem is nerve damage (as I did).