I don't really know much about diabetes, can someone help me?

[Kat257]

Hello.  I have been having severe pain in my hands and arms and shoulders and it has just increased over a period of six years.  I have been told that it could be diabetic nueropathy.  But....I don't have diabetes.  How likely is it for someone to have diabetes that has no blood relatives that have it and also I have no health insurance so I don't know how I would go about seeing if this is something that I do have.  Would I be able to find out at a clinic?

[danners]

Yeah it would take a simple blood test to see if you have Diabetes. Neuropathy Pain usually comes when you have had Diabetes for some time.Years even. I think you would have shown other signs If the pain is related to Diabetes. You can be tested for Diabetes but I'm guessing the pain is due to something else. you need to find an insurance Company or see if you are eligible for State Health care. then find a doctor who will accept your insurance. If the pain is really bugging you badly then go to an ER...they could diagnose your problem right there, Get your insurance rollin, and refer you to a doctor if you ask. That would be the best thing to do. They can give you the necessary paper work to apply for insurance and can refer you to a doctor who specializes in you prognosis....Hope I have helped, good Luck! :)

[madgeOwens]

They have blood testing kits at the local pharmacy.  That is one way to check.  Also if your blood sugar is high enough to spill over into urine you can use clinistix to void on and it will tell you if there is sugar in your urine,,,,,,,,and it should not be there.  
There are symptoms such as  thirst and itching.  Go to AmericanDiabeticAsociation.com and they have the list of symptoms and a test you can take. If you have many symptoms then you should continue pursuing answers. I can't think of the symptoms, my mind is too tired. Sorry. Maybe someone else can fill in those for me.

[madgeOwens]

Symptoms....................

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision

[danners]

The symptoms Madge mentioned are right on the dot...those are the most common and clear signs of Diabetes....good luck!

[madgeOwens]

You sound like maybe you have bursitis. Try an anti inflammatory, like aspirin if you can take it.  Check with your doctor, see if bursitis is a possiblity. That can be quite painful indeed.