Foot Sensations

[imtko]

Hello. I have a question. I have been a diabetic for 1 year now, and kept my A1c under 7. Today I felt some little light tingling on my left foot. I did walk a lot lately. Could this be a diabetic complication already, or should I just stress a bit less about this?

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Sorry for the delayed response.  I'm a volunteer, so be sure to check with your doctor -- as the comment below advises.

Tingling feet can be "nothing" or it can be "something" and your endocrinologist can do some simple tests in the office and should also refer you for more advanced tests if those tests suggest some impairment.

Some folks are diagnosed after having diabetes for quite a while (particularly Type 2s), so the date of diagnosis is not always close to the date of onset.

Sometimes tingling can result from a simple pulled muscle or pinched nerve.  Pay attention to patterns (when you feel it, what you've been doing/not doing, how long you feel tingling, what you can do to relieve it vs. the feeling returning to normal on its own).

Be sure you're wearing properly fitting shoes and good, cushioning, moisture wicking socks especially in the hot summer months.  Also keep up your good blood sugar control -- those good numbers help us delay any complications.

Good luck - I hope you'll check in again to let us know how things turn out.  Whatever "it" is, it seems that you've caught it very early and can expect fully-normal functioning.

[JDRF-Team-cb]

Hi,
I have been a diabetic for 25 years with no complications. It is a good thing that you are aware of your body and any changes to it. Sometimes tingling in your foot could just be that your foot fell asleep.  Walking is good exercise, so keep walking.  Take  care of your feet--keep them clean, toenails trimmed (but not too short) and free of cuts and blisters--that sort of thing.  
When you visit the endocronologist discuss your fears and concerns--write them down to remember-keep a journal or something like that, so when you visit the doctor you don't forget.  The endocronologist should check your feet at your visit as well and will let you know if they see something and have any concerns.

[JDRF Team SGG]

Instead of stressing over this, my recommendation would be to put your focus on keeping very good control over your glucose levels, trying to keep them as normal as possible. Then, make sure you keep your normal appointments with your endocrinologist and make sure he tests your sensations in your feet. He can do simple tests to see if you feel hot or cold sensations and he can tell if your responses to stimuli are normal. If the tingling continues or becomes a common sensation, you would probably be wise to talk with your endocrinologist about it even if you are not due for a regular checkup. But if it was a one-time thing, I wouldn't worry about it. As others have mentioned, patterns or recurring symptoms would be what you would look for if neuropathy was starting. Your a1c levels are good, so keep up the good work, keeping them as close to 6 as is possible without getting hypoglycemic. A1c levels at 7 or below are proven to protect patients from developing complications, so you are off to a good start.