http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum Diabetes complications are related to high blood sugar levels over a long period of time. Diabetes complications can affect several different parts of the body. The parts of the body that can be most affected by diabetes complications are the eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, feet, heart and blood vessels. Use this forum to discuss Diabetes complications. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:17:16 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/images/styles/takeoutred/misc/rss.jpg http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45908-strange-feeling-in-toes.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:15:12 GMT Hello,

I can't seem to find much information on this. I have this strange sensation, primarily in my big toes, and can sometimes be felt in some of the smaller toes on the right foot. I must stress that it is NOT painful in the slightest, nor can it be described as numb or tingly. It's a light, dull-feeling sensation--the best approximation I can think of is like the pressure from having something like a ribbon loosely tied around the toes. It can be quite annoying when trying to sleep, but it's generally tolerable during the day.

The feeling is "tighter" (but still not painful) when my diabetes is poorly managed.

I don't know if this is relevant, but I've only had one actual "pain episode" in a period where I was eating extremely poorly; the left side of my left foot felt like it was burning, and at the peak of the whole thing, it cramped up (at least, I think it did).

I once brought the dull sensation up with my doctor, but he seemed confused. From all the information I've tried gathering, this doesn't seem to fit the with the classic sensations of diabetic neuropathy; none of the sensations I've read about sound like an accurate description of what I'm feeling. Maybe it just wants to affect me differently for some reason?

I don't know what else it could be, though... ]]> Diabetes complications ChrisV http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45908-strange-feeling-in-toes.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45850-duprytrens-disease.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:34:40 GMT I have taken a back seat in this forum and now have a question? Any other Diabetics have Dupytren's Diease? A growth in palm of hands that as it grows up fingers it attches to tendons etc.in fingers and slowly pulls fingers closed,surgery is necessary to correct,kicker is it grows back. I have had surgery 5 times on both hands in last 10 years.It is more prominate in Diabetics ]]> Diabetes complications SawDust http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45850-duprytrens-disease.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45781-trigger-finger.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:53:06 GMT Well, it looks like I may have the beginnings of trigger finger in my left pinky and thumb. This is not my dominant hand, however, it's my typical baby-carrying hand (wrap the arm/hand around her and stick her on my hip) so I still have use of my right (dominant) hand. This hand is typically quite tightly clenched when I'm holding her, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

It's still very mild. I have a bit of pain/weakness in the joints during the day, but I really only have the clicking/sticking at night and first thing in the morning.

Does anyone who has had trigger finger have any suggestions for keeping it from getting worse at this stage? I'm thinking resting it (difficult with a baby) and maybe icing it to get the inflammation down? I'm also thinking I should maybe be wearing a brace on that hand at night to make sure I'm not curling it.

Any words of wisdom for me? I really don't want it to get to the point where my doctor needs to get involved re: treatment, if I can avoid it. ]]> Diabetes complications belyro http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45781-trigger-finger.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45738-swollen-legs-feet.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:25:32 GMT My legs -- specifically my calves and ankles -- always seem swollen or bloated. At the end of the day, if I've worn socks, the socks are imprinted into my calves for HOURS, and it physically hurts to take them off because they've almost grown into my legs. I'm not sure if this is a complication of D or something else. For instance: I'm usually on my feet for up to 10-12 hours per day due to my job. I'm also getting the feeling that I'm going around dehydrated all the time (can't drink too much water at work because I can't take a pee break whenever I want -- I have to wait until I'm not actively teaching or on duty, and when I'm doing theatre, I'm "not allowed" to have water in the auditorium -- a rule I'll easily break if I have to, on medical grounds).

Is more water the first step? Or am I RETAINING water, which means pills? I don't know. ]]> Diabetes complications GeishaGirl http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45738-swollen-legs-feet.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45689-so-what-is-ldl.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:30:53 GMT YouTube - Exposing the Cholesterol Myth

Here's a hint... it's NOT cholesterol ;) ]]> Diabetes complications fgummett http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45689-so-what-is-ldl.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45652-conflicting-information.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:01:07 GMT Hello everybody, I have not been very actively posting but always reading and getting encouraged when i see good things happening to people. My D is going all right and two last h1c were 5.2 and 5.4, but i am still caught by surprise when the reading comes up way too high or way too low( the other... Hello everybody,
I have not been very actively posting but always reading and getting encouraged when i see good things happening to people.
My D is going all right and two last h1c were 5.2 and 5.4, but i am still caught by surprise when the reading comes up way too high or way too low( the other day with no sign of hypo i tested and it came as the lowest ever at 1.4 (25.2) ). So after i spoke with a woman who told me that she got complications ,her eyes , and she got the problems because of too many lows , and that her doctor has told her that too many lows cause worse damage than regular highs. Does anyone have an opinion on this ? My doctor responded vaguely and mentioned the study where a lot of the subjects passed away when they tried to control and lower BG aggressively(sorry dont know the name but have seen it on the net)so he told me not to worry when i get 8 to 10 after eating and to keep the FBG at 5 to 7. Sorry for the long post ..Thank you for any feedback ]]> Diabetes complications bgscorpio http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45652-conflicting-information.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45546-has-anyone-been-mayo.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:41:36 GMT I am 46 and have had type 1 for 18 years.My control has been fairly good(AIC'S high 6'S TO high 7'S)lots of lows though.I am starting to show some symptoms of possible autonomic neuropothy.I am very active and physically fit-5'10 140 pounds,marathon runner.I am considering going to one of these facilties and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them?Is anyone familiar with any of the top physcians in the country in this area?Thank you.Went on pump 6 months ago,last AIC 1 month ago 6.8. ]]> Diabetes complications hahnmar http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45546-has-anyone-been-mayo.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45532-how-realistic-getting-back.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:29:46 GMT Yesterday I re-watched a BBC Horizon Documentary titled "Why Are Thin People Not Fat?"

BBC - BBC Two Programmes - Horizon, 2008-2009, Why Are Thin People Not Fat?

I'd recommend watching this if you get the chance (actually I have Davef to thank for originally pointing it out to me)

In the show they examine and attempt to repeat the findings of a prison study back in the 1960's where in order to study the effects of obesity they decided to "fatten up" some inmates... trouble was, despite eating up to 10,000 calories a day and no exercise, several of them were unable to put on the expected weight -- which kind of throws a wrench in the old "calories in minus calories out" adage. The Vermont prison study, and related topics are discussed in greater detail here : Junkfood Science: The first Law of Thermodynamics in real life

Anyhow... to the point of this post: In the show there is a scientist (crazy hair, white coat... the real deal) who is fascinated by adipose tissue (fat) and when asked the question: "how does the body respond when called upon to store ever more fat as energy... does it increase the size of the fat cells or increase their number?"

The answer he gives unfortunately is "both". The cells can grow to a given size (large enough for a single cell to be visible like the period at the end of this sentence.) but beyond that size the body will start making more fat cells... and this is the unfortunate bit... once we get more fat cells they do not go away again :(

I report this not to depress anyone (least of all myself) but simply as a fact to consider when you have been obese and are now struggling to lose those last few excess fat-mass pounds. This simple fact may explain why those last pounds are so difficult to shed. ]]> Diabetes complications fgummett http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45532-how-realistic-getting-back.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45504-cataract-surgery.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:10:36 GMT I have not been posting much because I am experiencing trouble with my vision due, in part, to cataracts. I also have been experiencing some diabetes related eye problems. I went to see the surgeon this week who will remove the cataract on one eye later this month. He is recommending a "foldable implant" that he says will have some benefits such ar reduced healing time. I wonder if anyone has any experience with this decision and could give me some feedback. My retinal specialist will perform a vitrectomy on that eye at the same time. As you can imagine, I am very anxious about this whole thing and want to make the right decision.

Thanks for any input anyone can give.

Kathi ]]> Diabetes complications kmac http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45504-cataract-surgery.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45498-anyone-else-tired-all.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:56:04 GMT I was diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic three years ago. I take 1000mg Metformin and just recently started Byetta. I am tired all the time. I have felt like this for awhile, so I know it's not the Byetta. I was just wondering if anyone else feels the fatigue? Do the meds make me feel tired, or is it just being diabetic? My last A1C was 6.8, which was a month ago. ]]> Diabetes complications ReadMyLips http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45498-anyone-else-tired-all.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45369-new-forum-worried-about.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:32:08 GMT Hello,

I'm Kevin, 24, from Long Island NY. I joined this forum in hope that I could some how vent about my current situation with my diabetic father.
He was diagnosed in '91 with Type 2. And over the past 18 years RARELY took care of his glucose levels. It would be safe to say that his meter on avergae registered over 400. I remember clearly as a young boy seeing his meter read close to 600. Never staying on top of his meds, having a daily high-carb intake, and being a steady weekend drinker finally all caught up to him at the beginning of the year. Both of his eyes started hemmorhaging. He went from driving and working on computers to sitting on the couch all day, with that "blind stare". Hes anemic, emaciated, depressed, paranoid and just in an overall funk. He barely eats because he always has to throw up(which makes the bleeding worse). Also, his kidneys are only working at 40%.
In regards to his eyes, hes been seeing a vitreal specialist whom I get the impression only wants to do laser. Everytime my father asks him about other options he says everything else is 'too risky'. Its like this doc is giving him up for dead. He told him to start preparing himself because his vision will only get worse and that eventually itll be barely good enough to walk around the house. And in all honesty, I think this DRs bummed attitude has something to do with my fathers crappy insurance (HIP).

What is the success rate with a vitrectomy? should we look for another DR?

I hope you guys can help me some. I hate seeing my dad like this. I put on a straight face most of the time, but deep down this whole thing is crushing me. I remember being 10 years old and writing to the ADA requesting info on diabetes. He never paid much attention to my efforts, however I hold nothing of his past against him...Im here to help him any way I possibly can.

Thanks everyone...

Kevin ]]> Diabetes complications thecongo http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45369-new-forum-worried-about.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45243-neuroma-or-neuropathy.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:51:21 GMT I was treated for Morton's Neuroma 11 months ago - shot of cortisone and simple orthotics from my podiatrist pretty much fixed me up. I am now having pain very near to what I experienced, but there is not the tell-tale tender nodule. Only pain in between my toes within an inch of where the nodule was. And burning in my toes that gets progressively worse as the day goes on, making it difficult and painful to walk.

Yes, I will be going to the podiatrist again, but also wondered if my regular MD might be of more help. I was just diagnosed with T-2 a couple of months ago, and the toe pain started in the last 6 weeks ago. Anyone here have a similar experience with toe pain and burning? ]]> Diabetes complications ETex2 http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45243-neuroma-or-neuropathy.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45157-eye-check.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:05:39 GMT So I had my dr appointment yesterday and one thing he asked me was if I had my eyes checked.

I looked at him and and asked him if the DMV counted. He smiled and told me I should have my eyes checked every year.

I've never had any issues with my eyes (I don't even wear glasses). Even before I was diagnosed I never recalled having blurry vision or seeing spots or anything else that would be diabetes related.

I promised him I would make an appointment with an eye doctor.

After leaving his office I thought of a few questions:

1. Do I need to see an ophthalmologist or an optomatrist? From what I read it seems that an ophthalmologist deals with conditions of the eye and an opttomatrist deals more with vision issues.

2. What kind of exam/tests are run?

I was diagnosed last November and have great control. I can't imagine having any eye issues. However, I did promise my doctor I would follow up with one and last thing I need are eye problems.

Thanks for all your help. ]]> Diabetes complications KatGirl http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45157-eye-check.html http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45017-possible-infection.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:53:16 GMT I have been on insulin pump for 10 years and I think I may have a infection from it it is red hard and size of a 50 cent coin. How do I know and what can I do get rid of it. I have been on insulin pump for 10 years and I think I may have a infection from it it is red hard and size of a 50 cent coin.
How do I know and what can I do get rid of it. ]]> Diabetes complications Flyers01 http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/diabetes-complications/45017-possible-infection.html