18. “Pins and Needles” Sensation in Hands and Feet
One of the more common symptoms of diabetes is an unexplained tingling in your arms, legs, hands, and feet. We often describe it as “pins and needles“. This is caused by peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. It is a result of high blood glucose levels damaging nerves and nerve endings, as well as blood vessels. The causes of tingling and numbness from diabetes is usually peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. This complication results from high blood glucose levels damaging nerves and blood vessels. Tingling and numbness are usually the earliest signs of Type 2 diabetes.
The most common questions asked when a person is diagnosed with diabetes include:
- What type of diabetes do I have?
- How will I be able to manage it?
- Do I need to take any kind of medication?
- Do I need to check my blood sugar? If so, how often and when?
- What should my blood sugar level be?
- Is there a way I can prevent any of the complications like heart, kidney and eye diseases?
- What kind of eating plan should I follow?
- What are healthy fats and sugars?
- Can I still work and travel?
- Will I die?
If you have been diagnosed with any of the diabetes types it’s important to remember it isn’t a death sentence. While there isn’t a cure, making the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle will keep in under control and you can continue to lead a normal life. It is only when we ignore the early warning signs that diabetes can, in fact, become life-threatening.