Neuropathy and diabetes?

[jillc39]

I have now been diagnosed with diabetes and the nurse said there is a strong link between PN and diabetes. Does anyone else know about this?

[bookish]

Hello. Interesting question and I hope you get some other answers. To my understanding, both B12D and diabetes can cause neuropathy and it isn't always that easy to tell which is which. I suspect I have both, in my case causing mainly Small Fibre Neuropathy. Some symptoms improved when I started a small dose of methylfolate along with my methylcobalamin but others continue to worsen. I know that in former years I have had signs of both reactive hypoglycemia and insulin resistance although both have improved with diet changes as has my HbA1c. I recently bought a glucose monitor so I can fine tune things. What I'm not sure about is whether blood sugar control (or the lack of it) will affect severity of neuropathy whether or not it is the underlying cause. If B12D has done the damage, will too many carbs still make it worse, or is blood sugar dysregulation so common that everyone with a neuropathy has some element of that as a cause, hence the improvements with diet. The NHS website says that diabetes (either type 1 or 2) is the most common cause of PN. You need B12 to produce enough glucose. I don't know whether your B12 issue or your diabetes are autoimmune or not - you may find you have an underlying autoimmune issue here that hasn't been identified. Has anyone ever checked for Coeliac or thyroid disorders for example? If your brain isn't functioning well, the rest of your body will struggle (including both CNS and PNS issues) and both oxygen and stable glucose are vital. Datis Kharrazian's 'Why Isn't My Brain Working?' is an interesting read if you are so inclined.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

One of the consequences of diabetes is damage to small blood vessels which in tern results in damage to nerves, vausing peripheral neuropathy. This can, in tern lead to unrecognised damage to extremities and is a major cause of amputations. This can also affect the eye leading to diabetic retinopathy

The mechanism causing neuropathy in B12 deficiency is different - the process for maintaining the insulating sheath around nerves needs B12 so doesn't work in patients that are B12 deficient - resulting in nerve damage which can repair if caught early enough.

To add to complications, one of the most common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes - metformin - is known to inhibit the uptake of B12 from diet. I don't know if this is part of the reason why metformin isn't recommended for use in eldgerly patients - and some doctors in the US advocate B12 monitoring in patients with B12 deficiency - not aware of it being mentioned in the UK - because the effect looks so much like diabetic neuropathy that the deficiency just isn't picked up.

[porter5]

some years ago Newcastle University worked out a cure for diabetes but it came with a caveat, your doctor may not believe it works, although some people had indeed cured themselves of diabetes 2. .

[mcg-woo]

I have read there is a strong link between PA and type 1 diabetes because they are both autoimmune disorders. My mom is a type 1 with severe neuropathy and doesn’t have PA but I do. I’m not diabetic. I would love to know more about a genetic link.

[jillc39 in reply to mcg-woo]

Oh thank you all for your comments. Looks like I have another row on my hands with my gp. Should I ask for a referal? But who would I see who is interested in both PA and diabetes? Grateful for your suggestions.

[mcg-woo in reply to jillc39]

Do you see a neurologist for the neuropathy? Neurologists should know about neuropathy and PA. Diabetics usually see many specialists—endocrinologist, neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist—and between them all, hopefully you’ll get the treatment you need. Good luck!