Question

[theheck55]

Hi,

I've had type 1 diabetes now for a little over 6 years. I do drink on occasion and unfortunately started smoking cigarettes when i was living over in Asia. At the begining of this year, i started having slight tingly in my feet and they would get cold from time to time. I went to the doctor and she told me that nueropathy took longer than 6 years with well controlled diabtes to take place, even with the smoking. However, months have gone by, I i still have this slight discomfort. Ive also noticed that in certain positions, my legs/arms fall asleep much easier. Anybody want to give me an idea?

[Subby]

First, I'd be questioning rules about if and when complications crop up or not. Your doctor may be making a fair general statement, but you are an individual, and complications tend to be very variable.

Also, what do you mean by "well controlled"? How do you ascertian this?

All that said, I wouldn't think it was likely to be permanent neuropathy - yet. What is almost certainly occuring is you are accelerating issues with your nervous and circulatory system. The double whammy of type 1 and smoking on your nerves and blood vessels is extreme.

Now, here is something else to mention. People often find similar effects to the one you describe, on suddenly getting better BG control. Pins and needles, tingles, pinched nerves, etc. It usually goes away, as a rule. But what I found when I smoked, is that the smoking exacerbated these effects with even less fluctuating BGs, made the effects a lot worse - transient, painful effects on the nerves and circulation. They did mostly go away when I quit, and I consider myself very lucky about that. There is only one answer to letting your body be healthy, your blood vessels and nerves a chance to heal, and avoiding permanent neuropathy and other terrible complications and I am sure you know what that is.

[dr.sweet]

dear thehek 55 , if i was u i would do what subby said because i think this is the best idea u could get . in additional i say 2 u stop smoking because smoking is the thing that is letting ur arms and feet fall asleep much easier .