• Find Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

dLife Daily Tips

Do you have hypoglycemic unawareness?

Read More View All Tips

Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community.


Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Ask a new question
The Question
07/11/09 03:28 PM

"Does cramping in the feet and legs at night and times of tingling and numbness in my feet mean I am getting diabetic neuropathy?"
Asked By: mamared  
Category: Neuropathy

Background Info Hide
I have always thought the tingling was from my lower back problems, but now I am not so sure. There is really no definitive information out there.

Expert Answers (1)

07/13/09 09:32 PM

Dear MaMared; The adjectives you use to describe are similar to those of diabetic neuropathy, or signs of blood vessel damage. If you are encountering these problems, I would suggest an appointment with a Podiatrist, DPM. A physician specializing in the diagnosis, management and treatment of the many neuropathies associated with diabetes. Minor problems can turn into serious ones. Are you encountering foot problems such as: cuts, cracks, redness, changes in shape, cold/hot spots, holes, blisters, peeling-just to mention a few. Nerve damage can make the affected area less able to feel pain, heat or cold sensations. Circulation changes can impact several areas; sweat glands may malfunction, leaving feet dry and scaly. Your skin my peel and crack. Changes in the foot appearance and form may result in weight being distributed unevenly increasing the risk for corns/calluses. Regarding "tingling and numbness" lost of feelings in your feet, wearing protective footwear is important, as well as examining your feet daily for irritations; irritations that could manifest to foot ulcers. If your circulation has been compromised wound healing can slow, the risk of infection can increase. It is very important to be alert to the signs of blood vessel damages to the legs and feet. Consequent, to alleviated any additional risks, blood glucose control is paramount!! Back to the basics; A1C<7%, blood glucose levels always <140mg/dl-(at any time), blood pressure <130/80,mm/Hg, Cholesterol<200mg/dl, HDL>40mg/dl for men, >50 for women, LDL<100mg/dl; Continued foot care; keep clean and dry, toenails trimmed, nicely rounder to curve of toenail. At regular office visits, remind your PCP/Endocrinologist/doctor to check your feet. This check should occur annually to include: blood vessels, muscle and nerve damage assessment. High glucose readings increase the risk of foot problems. Keep your doctor informed of any problems, no matter how minor they seem to YOU!!! Sue
Answered By: Susan Throop
Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
Sources Show

Community Answers (0)

There are currently no community answers to this question. Be the first to Post an Answer

Most Recent Neuropathy Questions:

Do you know about any success using neuromuscular stimulation devices? One type EMPI 300PV NEMS.
My left hand and my left ankle are so swollen i can't close my hand and can't get my shoe on. Was told i have diabetic neuropathy.
What is the condition called that is the opposite of gastropareis (delayed stomach emptying)?
Can diabetic neuropathy cause the loss of bladder control?
Any help please?
have a problem with my GI a lot of pressure in upper abdomen said it was diabetic neuropathy not going in right directions. what can I do help body
I have extremely cold feet, and blanched toes. Should I be concerned? I have neuropathy on my right side due to a Thalamic stroke in May.

 

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters

dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more! FPO

FPO

Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!

dLife Weekly Poll

Has diabetes made it difficult to get/renew a driver's license?

View Results
More Polls
More Diabetes Information
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
More dLife Information
Copyright © 2012 LifeMed Media, Inc.    All Rights Reserved.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.