Numbness/Tingling Arms - Diabetes

BlackEdelweiss

I have been feeling numbness in my left arm for 2 weeks now and it is getting a bit more noticable. I mentioned it to my doctor who said to leave it a week or 2 and see what happens with it.
I was doing a bit or reading on the internet about it(not a good idea I know) and it mentioned diabetes in a few places, one site mentioned briefly about it being connected to blood testing.
Do any other diabetics get this sensation, I am not back in the clinic for 2 weeks so I cant ask the consultant till then.

sam34

internet sites are notoriously inaccurate and full of scare-mongering, so take what you read with a pinch of salt

you could discuss it with your gp prior to your consultant appointment

graflynn

The following info is from www.diabetes.ie and if your concerned about having diabetes you can talk to your GP rather than waiting for your consultant. It's a simple test.



Risk factors of Type 2 Diabetes

Some people are more at risk of developing diabetes than others. The known risk factors inlcude:

• A family history of diabetes
• Being overweight (80% of people with diabetes are overweight)
• Age (the likelihood of developing diabetes increases with age)
• Lack of physical exercise
• Having had diabetes during pregnancy or having had a large baby

Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes vary in intensitiy but may include:

• Lack of energy
• Tiredness
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent passing of urine
• Weight loss - in the region of 7-14 pounds
• Blurring of vision
• Recurrent infection
  

Diabetes is detected by a simple blood test that detects how much glucose is in the blood.

BlackEdelweiss

I have diabetes,
I was just wondering if the numbness could be caused by the blood sugar testing.

eilo1

hi,
It could be connected to your diabetes,
Hyperglycemia is associated with nephropathy (nerve damage) but dont go jumping to conlusions, you may be sleeping on it funny, or it could be a musculoskeletal problem like the nerve being pinched somewere in your back or shoulder.
And even if it is from diabetes there is plenty that can be done to treat it these days.
Best to just wait and talk to you gp, although if you can you should try talking to your diabetic nurses who should arrange for you to see someone in the clinic. (I always find my GP's lacking in information about diabetes, im much happier speaking to some one that deals with us day in day out.)
I hope your feeling better!!

Giggles1982

Try not to worry too much until you speak with your specialist - I had something similar a while ago , pins & needles from my elbow down into my hand & 2 fingers , left side. It continued for a week or so & I was convinced It was a heart attack (don't ask) , but my GP examined my neck & I had pinched a nerve , he gave me simple neck exercises & it resolved almost immediately . It had probably happened in work lifting patients, so simple.