New to diabetes

[roles63]

Hello All

I am new to diabetes.  I actually was originally diagnosed with Type 2 in Jan 2019 through pre op bloodwork for my hip replacement.  The doctor, who was new to me, was not very supportive. After switching doctors 6 months later, I had more bloodwork and she told me I was not diabetic.  My A1C had dropped from 11 in Jan to 5.3 in July.  Over a year later it was time for my annual physical, (a few months late) and I switched doctors again because of billing issues with the last one and seemingly lack of concern.  Again, my A1C was found out of control, at 14 this time.  The only symptom I seem to have is occasional tingling in my feet and did not know that was a symptom.  Other than that I felt fine.  I am now back on Metformin, although this doctor started me out on Farxiga but I developed a UTI and it wasn't helping my BG levels as much as it should have.  At least this doctor had the common sense to work me up to a bigger dose gradually.  The first doctor had me taking 2000mg daily within 8 days and I had so many stomach issues.  The new doctor has me up to 1500mg daily after 3.5 weeks.  I reached that level of dosage 3 weeks ago, and me BG testing is a lot better but still not as low as it was when I was on it before.  My morning fasting levels are usually 140-150.  Before they were 110-120 after about 6 weeks of being on the full dose.  I am due to go back to see the doctor the first week of Feb.  My A1C levels will be checked then, and hopefully are much better.      And the new doctor has figured out where this might have come from, as I have no family history, have never been overweight and eat a healthy diet due to my cholesterol and high blood pressure which is hereditary.  Apparently, if you have gestational diabetes, you can get Type 2 later on in life.

I have a few friends that have this, and two of them said to try alpha lipoic acid supplements, 600mg daily to help with the tingling in my feet.  Does anyone else use this or have knowledge that it helps?  Thanks!

[skb]

Hi roles63,

Welcome to the forum. I'd suggest that you click on our logo & read from the Articles on our Front Page, especially Eat to Your Meter and Why Low Carb High Fat. All of the articles are written by our members who bring years of experience to the Forum, having suffered from Diabetes themselves.  Also, do familiarize yourself with our Converters and BG Tracker. These are very helpful tools in Diabetes management.

As far as the tingling is concerned, I have never heard or read of ALA having any effect on that. Though that doesn't mean to say that it doesn't or won't. It's just that I am not aware of any such advantage.

It's way past my bedtime and I have had a pretty tiring day. I will reply to your post properly tomorrow. Meanwhile others from your part of the world will chip in, in a short while.

Welcome again.   

[roles63]

Thank you!

[Grammabear]

Hello All


I have a few friends that have this, and two of them said to try alpha lipoic acid supplements, 600mg daily to help with the tingling in my feet.  Does anyone else use this or have knowledge that it helps?  Thanks!

Greetings and welcome to the forum,

I am not a healthcare professional, just someone who is T1 and has neuropathy for a good number of years.  I do take alpha lipoic acid supplements for neuropathy but I first consulted my doctor if it was compatible with other medicines I have to take.  I have included a link to an article about neuropathy (from another forum located in the UK) which might give you some more information.

https://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=597

The DPN cocktail does help me, but I had to take it for about 6 weeks before I noticed any improvement.  I also found that if I can stay in harmony with my blood glucose meter that my neuropathy is better.

[roles63]

Thank you!  I will read the article!

[Sweety]

Hello role63

Welcome to the forum.

[bigskygal]

Welcome to the forum roles63!

I have a little neuropathy but haven't found that alpha lipoic acid helped it at all. We all react differently to meds and supplements. I tried it and no difference so stopped taking it.

Do read the articles skb suggested and you might want to check out the recipe section for some ideas of what to eat.

Glad you joined us, looking forward to getting to know you.