Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tingling, Numbness And Shooting Pain In Hands And Feet?
Question: Yes, hi. My question is, would it be possible for me to be experiencing diabetic neuropathy as tingling, numbness, abd shooting pains in my hands and feet as the FIRST indicator of a diabetes diagnosis? I've been given warnings about pre-diabetes, and higher than normal BG, but I've lost 7 pounds since cutting carbs after being put on prednisone, and my BG has come down some (highs of around 200 during the day), but I'm still feeling the pain in my extremities.
Brief Answer:
It is possible
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern.
It is quite possible for Type2 diabetes to present like this. Often the diabetes exists for many months before we diagnose it. It has been shown that damages like neuropathy can start when there is fluctuations in blood glucose.
May I know why you are on prednisone? This could cause your blood sugar to fluctuate.
Could you do an HbA1C test . That will give more clarity.
Regards
Binu
It is possible
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern.
It is quite possible for Type2 diabetes to present like this. Often the diabetes exists for many months before we diagnose it. It has been shown that damages like neuropathy can start when there is fluctuations in blood glucose.
May I know why you are on prednisone? This could cause your blood sugar to fluctuate.
Could you do an HbA1C test . That will give more clarity.
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was started on prednisone ( and subsequently cut my carbs to less than 20g per day because I'm familiar with the way prednisone affects carbohydrate metabolism, which is why I've already lost weight AND lowered my BG) because I am having proximal muscle weakness, despite my CPK going DOWN. Both of these are indications that I'm having a relapse of my autoimmune disease (diagnosed when i was 19, but in remission for the past 15 years), Dermatomyositis. My last HbA1C test was high.
Also, I've only been on the prednisone for a week now.
Also, I've only been on the prednisone for a week now.
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy symptoms possible association
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply.
Got the picture. I must say that neuropathy is often associated with dermatomyositis as well. You may also need to screen for thyroid dysfunction and pernicious anemia which can coexist with auto immune disorders. These are other causes of tingling and numbness apart from diabetes.
Neuropathy symptoms possible association
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply.
Got the picture. I must say that neuropathy is often associated with dermatomyositis as well. You may also need to screen for thyroid dysfunction and pernicious anemia which can coexist with auto immune disorders. These are other causes of tingling and numbness apart from diabetes.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
