[obxsurfer]

I was recently diagnosed as type 1 diabetes and started on insulin immediately. After taking insulin, I felt great for about 6 weeks and then, I started to have leg pain (numbness, stabbing, tingling, burning). Initially, the pain was on the foot and leg, but symptom now include sensitive skin.

Has anyone experienced this type of progression after getting glucose under tight control. My glucose level is great and my recent A1C after starting insulin is 6.5. Also, what is causing this pain all of sudden. I was led to believe that getting glucose under control will make you feel better. I actually feel worse now then before taking insulin. The pain is literally 24x7 and it is effecting every aspect of daily life. Will this pain stop at some point.

Note: my doctor initially thought the pain was due to vitamin deficiency, but last test show that I am ok on all the essential vitamins.

Any advise will be appreciated.

[Mich]

Hi obxsurfer,

What you may be feeling is your nerves regenerating now that they are not bathed in blood sugar (a simplification, but you get the idea.)

Your doctor should be able to recommend treatment for you, even temporarily until your nerves stabilize. Sometimes Neurontin, Cymbalta or other drugs are prescribed. Over the counter Ibuprofen or a topical capsaicin ointment may also provide some temporary relief.

Steady blood sugar control will help and maybe even eliminate this problem. Exercise can speed it up, get that old surfboard out!

Mich