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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of Numbness In Fingers With Diabetes?

I am enquiring for my daughter who has type 1 diabetes. I have just received a text message from her saying that she cannot stop crying she is really scared as her fingers & toes have gone numb also feels really horrible.
Not sure what to do ?
Kind Regards
Mrs H Phillips
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM. Type 1 diabetes for long duration can lead to many complications and diabetic neuropathy is one of them. Your daughter is most probably suffering from this. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for about 30% of cases. In diabetic neuropathy, tingling and other symptoms often first develop in both feet and go up the legs, followed by tingling and other symptoms that affect both hands and go up the arms.
The first treatment step is to bring blood glucose levels within the normal range to help prevent further nerve damage. Symptoms may get worse when blood glucose is first brought under control, but over time, maintaining lower blood glucose levels helps lessen symptoms.
Their are medications which will help in this condition. Duloxetine and pregabalin are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Other medications are also available, but first its better that you take your daughter to good diabetologist for proper examination and treatment.

The best way to prevent neuropathy is to keep blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible. Maintaining safe blood glucose levels protects nerves throughout the body.

All the best
Dr Santosh
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What Is The Cause Of Numbness In Fingers With Diabetes?

Hi and welcome to HCM. Type 1 diabetes for long duration can lead to many complications and diabetic neuropathy is one of them. Your daughter is most probably suffering from this. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for about 30% of cases. In diabetic neuropathy, tingling and other symptoms often first develop in both feet and go up the legs, followed by tingling and other symptoms that affect both hands and go up the arms. The first treatment step is to bring blood glucose levels within the normal range to help prevent further nerve damage. Symptoms may get worse when blood glucose is first brought under control, but over time, maintaining lower blood glucose levels helps lessen symptoms. Their are medications which will help in this condition. Duloxetine and pregabalin are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Other medications are also available, but first its better that you take your daughter to good diabetologist for proper examination and treatment. The best way to prevent neuropathy is to keep blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible. Maintaining safe blood glucose levels protects nerves throughout the body. All the best Dr Santosh