Doctor Herpes

Question:

I have had a bit of tingling in my feet. No pain, just very odd sensationsa and occasionally numbness in a finger tip.   I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors? I printed the previous post just in case I get the same response from my lame HMO.   John, 38, T2 on week7

Response:

: I dont know where you got your information but from everything I : have read and been told the QUOTE normal BG readings fior a non : Diabetic is between 80 and 120… I am a T2 and if mine get over 150 I : am sick… what i’ve read suggests that 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/l) can be normal for a nondiabetic adult 2 hours after a meal. the ada recommendations for diabetics: Glucose                                  Action         (mg/dL)              Goal                Suggested Fasting glucose      80-120  (4.4-6.6)   <80  (4.4) 2-hr postprandial    <180    (9.9)       180 (9.9) Bedtime              100-140 (5.5-7.7)   <100 (5.5)     HbA1c (%)            <7%                 8%           this is taking the dcct into account, btw. — sine | deb just sayin

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY STORY I checked again.  The ADA posts 150-180 as acceptable 2 hours after a meal AND non diabetic folks have BGs in the mid 150s on a regular basis.  The 80-100 at all times you mentioned is not realistic for T2s. Still in LA LA Land, John, 38, T2 for 10 weeks Actually it can be a realistic goal…. even for T2s with the proper medicaltions and addequate exercise and strict following of a good eating plan….

As far as I can tell Dr.Bernstein recommends to keep BG between 80 and 100 at all times to reverse diabetes complications such as neuropathy.  Reversing things till they dissapear in my book is a cure, not for diabetes to be sure, but for the complication.  The ADA recommendations may well be right for people without complications. but with this lackluster, not-for-profit, intend- oriented organization you never know. My docter told me that they have abandoned their high carbohydrate-food exchange diet recommendations for a WE- DON’T -KNOW and figure it out for yourself.  This may be right but if it is, then they recommended the WRONG DIET  for many years. Hans  

Response:

In the spring of 1995, because I had no feeling in my feet, when I unknowingly stepped on a straight pin in my bedroom after having de-pinned a new shirt, I felt nothing.  The left foot ultimately swelled up and the doctor was treating me with antibiotics to get rid of what he felt was an infection.  Even the swelling was not felt.  I remained on the antibiotics for almost a month with no decrease in the swelling.  Finally the doctor said: "Enough with the antibiotics, already.  Let’s take an X-ray." Well, sure enough, the x-ray revealed that there was a bent straight pin embedded in my foot near my pinky toe, with even the pin head completely below the skin line.  I had to have it removed surgically and healing ultimately occurred.  This all is only to demonstrate that I truly had diabetic neuropathy.  The lack of feeling in my feet was not a circulatory problem.   The doctor said the blood circulation was good. I have had "adult onset" Type II diabetes for about 15 years and was able to get by on strictly medications and diet alteration.  I did know that my maternal grandfather had diabetes and had to have both legs amputated. In May of 1996, someone handed me an audio cassette to listen to.  On the tape there was testimony that a product called Pycnogenol would be salutary for many things, including diabetic neuropathy (neuro relating to nerves).  So I thought:  "There can be no harm in trying this.  It is a  nutrient as opposed to a drug.  No prescription is required to get it.  If it didn’t do something for me within 90 days, I could simply return the empty, partially empty or unused bottles for a complete refund."  I didn’t even tell my internist or endocrinologist what I was planning to do, for fear that they would have nothing positive to say about it, because it was likely that they’d never heard of it (which ultimately turned out to be the case.)   Both doctors had told me all along that diabetic neuropathy was irreversible.  I’d had it for many years. In early June I received my Pycnogenol and started taking it at the level specified (one 20 mg tablet for each 20 pounds of body weight.) I went on vacation and continued to take it while I was away.  Well, despite what the doctors had said about the irreversibility of diabetic neuropathy, three weeks later I started to have a tingling in certain parts of my feet.  I believed this to be good news and it turned out to be, because I have continued on Pycnogenol since that time and considerable additional feeling has returned to my feet.  I can now feel my feet within my shoes.  I can move my toes up and down.  I can feel the texture of carpeting under foot.  When I cross my legs I can actually feel one leg upon the other.  The scabs on my lower legs have faded considerably, and when they do get banged up, they seem to heal more quickly. So I am reconciled to taking Pycnogenol for as long as needed.  I figure the further away I am from gangrene, the better off I will be and the less likely I will be to require amputation in later years. Of course this is only one person’s story.  There can be no guarantees that everyone with Type II diabetes who has diabetic neuropathy will have similar results.  Some could have better results and some could have no results at all.  Every person does not have the same metabolism and bodily response to nutrient intake.  Nor do I have any idea what Pycnogenol would do for insulin-dependent Type I diabetics, although I suspect some benefit, of what nature I don’t know, could conceivably be derived for them as well.   The point is:  "What can I lose by trying it?"  It has been taken in Europe for many decades for a myriad of ailments without side effects.  In fact, no side effects have occurred when taking Pycnogenol even in Mega Mega doses.   Bill

Response:

(JHawk103) writes: WOW!   80 to 100 at all times???   How the heck can a T2 do this?  Don’t non diabetic folks have readings over 150 regularly and still be totally non diabetic???  I think I’m doing well to have stayed under 180 for about 6 weeks now.

I dont know where you got your information but from everything I have read and been told the QUOTE normal BG readings fior a non Diabetic is between 80 and 120… I am a T2 and if mine get over 150 I am sick… I have been sucessful in getting my readings to between 100 and 120 most of the time for the last year…

Response:

(JHawk103) writes: I checked again.  The ADA posts 150-180 as acceptable 2 hours after a meal AND non diabetic folks have BGs in the mid 150s on a regular basis.  The 80-100 at all times you mentioned is not realistic for T2s. Still in LA LA Land, John, 38, T2 for 10 weeks

Actually it can be a realistic goal…. even for T2s with the proper medicaltions and addequate exercise and strict following of a good eating plan….

Response:

No, 180 is my highest, usually 1.5 hrs after a full meal. I am 110 to 130 fasting. I checked again.  The ADA posts 150-180 as acceptable 2 hours after a meal  AND non diabetic folks have BGs in the mid 150s on a regular basis.  The 80-100 at all times you mentioned is not realistic for T2s. Still in LA LA Land, John, 38, T2 for 10 weeks

for information on neuropathy and homeopathic treatment of : http://www.angelfire.com/biz/thorton

Response:

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY STORY

Read the book Dr. R. K, Bernstein, "Diabetes Solution". As far as I can tell form what I have heard 180 BG is equivalent to a glycoselated hemoglobin reading of about ( my lab) 9.6.  In the world of diabetes , I hate to tell you, you must be the only one who thinks you are doing well. Upon rereading your post I assume that the 180 refers to fasting glucose. Hans

Response:

No, 180 is my highest, usually 1.5 hrs after a full meal. I am 110 to 130 fasting. I checked again.  The ADA posts 150-180 as acceptable 2 hours after a meal  AND non diabetic folks have BGs in the mid 150s on a regular basis.  The 80-100 at all times you mentioned is not realistic for T2s. Still in LA LA Land, John, 38, T2 for 10 weeks

Response:

See Dr. Bernstein’s book "Diabetes Solution".  He is not necessarily in favor of a pump vs. multiple small size injections of different insulin, but he claims that  keeping Bg between 80-100 at all times will reverse neuropathy. Apump should make this level of control easier it woul;d seem. Hans

WOW!   80 to 100 at all times???   How the heck can a T2 do this?  Don’t non diabetic folks have readings over 150 regularly and still be totally non diabetic???  I think I’m doing well to have stayed under 180 for about 6 weeks now. John, 38, T2 for 10 weeks

Response:

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY STORY

 I have been told that I may be able to reverse the neuropathy with the continued use of my insulin pump.  The jury’s still out on that one.Anyone had their’s reversed with pump usage? See Dr. Bernstein’s book "Diabetes Solution".  He is not necessarily in favor of a pump vs. multiple small size injections of different insulin, but he claims that  keeping Bg between 80-100 at all times will reverse neuropathy. Apump should make this level of control easier it woul;d seem. Hans

Response:

I have been looking for a place to purchase alpha-lipoic acid.  Anyone have any experience getting this stuff. Carl

: :: DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY :STORY : :I have had a bit of tingling in my feet. No pain, just very odd sensationsa :and ccasionally numbness in a finger tip.   : :I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? : :Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors? : :That is how mine started. :In the last thirteen months I have reversed my neuropathy using 10 mg GLA with :480 mg EPA and 4 gr. Vitamin C daily. : :There have also been succesful trials with alpha lipoic acid. : :Most of my info comes from a searcg engine called Medline.  It can be accessed :through www.betterhealth.com.  Check oiut Gamma linolenic Acid, :Eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha lipoic acid : :Good Luck : :Hans

Response:

I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors?

I am a podiatrist practising and treating diabetics with peripheral sensory neuropathies daily. 1.      It is not reversable 2.      Symptomatic relief is excellent and good diabetic control will prevent recurrance. 3.      I use a product called "OPSITE FLEXIGRID" which is a film type dressing that will reduce the pain considerably for up to 3 weeks. Your doctor can prescribe this. If required E Mail me for further information. Regards, Mahomed Abramjee Podiatrist Pretoria,South Africa

Response:

I have been looking for a place to purchase alpha-lipoic acid.  Anyone have any experience getting this stuff.

I found it at my local Wal Mart at the vitamin/herbal section. It is made by Sundown Vitamins. It comes in a bottle of fifty (50 mg) each.

Response:

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY STORY I have been looking for a place to purchase alpha-lipoic acid.  Anyone have any experience getting this stuff. I found it at my local Wal Mart at the vitamin/herbal section. It is made by Sundown Vitamins. It comes in a bottle of fifty (50 mg) each.

I saw it in the Pharmacy section of Biggs and at Drug emporium.  It is expensive at the dosages used in clinical trials.  These trials report it is save in these dosages for about three weeks. Hans

Response:

My endo has been treating my newly diagnosed neuropathy with the anti-depressent Elavil.  It is recommended for the neuropathy pain and has worked like a charm.  Of course, you have to take it every day — one more have-to-do things for the diabetic — and yet another unnatural drug.  I had no noticeable response with the Pycogenal, but maybe I didn’t take it long enough.  The capsicum in Zostrix is effective for any kind of herpes infection there is too –if you can stand the heat of it.  Tolerance grows with use.  I have been told that I may be able to reverse the neuropathy with the continued use of my insulin pump.  The jury’s still out on that one.Anyone had their’s reversed with pump usage?

Response:

I have had a bit of tingling in my feet. No pain, just very odd sensationsa and occasionally numbness in a finger tip.   I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors? I printed the previous post just in case I get the same response from my lame HMO.   John, 38, T2 on week7

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Response:

Carl, General Nutrition Centers have it in liquid form.  Wal-Mart has it in tablet form.  I’ve purchased both, but only used the liquid so far so can’t give you a comparison. Kay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been looking for a place to purchase alpha-lipoic acid.  Anyone have any experience getting this stuff. Carl : :: DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY :STORY : :I have had a bit of tingling in my feet. No pain, just very odd sensationsa :and ccasionally numbness in a finger tip. : :I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? : :Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors? : :That is how mine started. :In the last thirteen months I have reversed my neuropathy using 10 mg GLA with :480 mg EPA and 4 gr. Vitamin C daily. : :There have also been succesful trials with alpha lipoic acid. : :Most of my info comes from a searcg engine called Medline.  It can be accessed :through www.betterhealth.com.  Check oiut Gamma linolenic Acid, :Eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha lipoic acid : :Good Luck : :Hans

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– Hash: SHA1 I have been looking for a place to purchase alpha-lipoic acid.  Anyone have any experience getting this stuff. Carl

alpha-lipoic acid (aLA) should be available at most vitamin stores; otherwise try a good online/mail-order store like:   http://www.vitaminexpress.com i take 600mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily and it has helped my neuropathy considerably.  the brands i like are Jarrow ($30.55 for 180 x 100mg tablets) and the controlled release MRI ($26.95 for 30 x 300mg). note that alpha-lipoic acid reduces bg, serum pyruvate, sorbitol and acetacetate whilst increasing muscle and hepatic glycogen in addition to stimulating glucose transporters thus facilitating glucose disposal.  in other words, aLA is hypoglycemic and bg measurements may have to be adjusted appropriately. naturally, your physician should be informed/consulted when using aLA.  if your physician has not heard of it, it may be time to educate him/her.  this stuff is just too important to allow to become yet another victim of ignorance.  aLA is amost certainly the most sophisticated antioxidant available today and there is an excellent, well-written "handbook" out there entitled "The Potato Antioxidant: Alpha lipoic Acid" by Beth M. Ley.  citing about 140 references to serious scientific studies, its emphasis is on content rather than hype and is well worth reading.  published by BL publications (1-800-507-2665). —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: PGPfreeware 5.0 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com Charset: noconv iQA/AwUBNMUJ2De3FT9oT9JpEQIInwCdHVriu1bOWyfAx0JQUaD7NzTCYvEAoNCj dIyzY9bfDO/xAxB5q0s81+Og =mgbI —–END PGP SIGNATURE—– Stan Angilley               | "the human gene pool has reached                             |   ridiculous levels of expression"

Response:

In the spring of 1995, because I had no feeling in my feet, when I unknowingly stepped on a straight pin in my bedroom after having de-pinned a new shirt, I felt nothing.  The left foot ultimately swelled up and the doctor was treating me with antibiotics to get rid of what he felt was an infection.  Even the swelling was not felt.  I remained on the antibiotics for almost a month with no decrease in the swelling.  Finally the doctor said: "Enough with the antibiotics, already.  Let’s take an X-ray." Well, sure enough, the x-ray revealed that there was a bent straight pin embedded in my foot near my pinky toe, with even the pin head completely below the skin line.  I had to have it removed surgically and healing ultimately occurred.  This all is only to demonstrate that I truly had diabetic neuropathy.  The lack of feeling in my feet was not a circulatory problem.   The doctor said the blood circulation was good. I have had "adult onset" Type II diabetes for about 15 years and was able to get by on strictly medications and diet alteration.  I did know that my maternal grandfather had diabetes and had to have both legs amputated. In May of 1996, someone handed me an audio cassette to listen to.  On the tape there was testimony that a product called Pycnogenol would be salutary for many things, including diabetic neuropathy (neuro relating to nerves).  So I thought:  "There can be no harm in trying this.  It is a  nutrient as opposed to a drug.  No prescription is required to get it.  If it didn’t do something for me within 90 days, I could simply return the empty, partially empty or unused bottles for a complete refund."  I didn’t even tell my internist or endocrinologist what I was planning to do, for fear that they would have nothing positive to say about it, because it was likely that they’d never heard of it (which ultimately turned out to be the case.)   Both doctors had told me all along that diabetic neuropathy was irreversible.  I’d had it for many years. In early June I received my Pycnogenol and started taking it at the level specified (one 20 mg tablet for each 20 pounds of body weight.) I went on vacation and continued to take it while I was away.  Well, despite what the doctors had said about the irreversibility of diabetic neuropathy, three weeks later I started to have a tingling in certain parts of my feet.  I believed this to be good news and it turned out to be, because I have continued on Pycnogenol since that time and considerable additional feeling has returned to my feet.  I can now feel my feet within my shoes.  I can move my toes up and down.  I can feel the texture of carpeting under foot.  When I cross my legs I can actually feel one leg upon the other.  The scabs on my lower legs have faded considerably, and when they do get banged up, they seem to heal more quickly. So I am reconciled to taking Pycnogenol for as long as needed.  I figure the further away I am from gangrene, the better off I will be and the less likely I will be to require amputation in later years. Of course this is only one person’s story.  There can be no guarantees that everyone with Type II diabetes who has diabetic neuropathy will have similar results.  Some could have better results and some could have no results at all.  Every person does not have the same metabolism and bodily response to nutrient intake.  Nor do I have any idea what Pycnogenol would do for insulin-dependent Type I diabetics, although I suspect some benefit, of what nature I don’t know, could conceivably be derived for them as well.   The point is:  "What can I lose by trying it?"  It has been taken in Europe for many decades for a myriad of ailments without side effects.  In fact, no side effects have occurred when taking Pycnogenol even in Mega Mega doses.   Bill Nicolson

Response:

: DIABETIC NEUROPATHY — MY STORY I have had a bit of tingling in my feet. No pain, just very odd sensationsa and occasionally numbness in a finger tip.   I guess this is also diabetic neropathy?? Is there truely  NO REVERSAL quoted by doctors?

That is how mine started. In the last thirteen months I have reversed my neuropathy using 10 mg GLA with 480 mg EPA and 4 gr. Vitamin C daily. There have also been succesful trials with alpha lipoic acid. Most of my info comes from a searcg engine called Medline.  It can be accessed through www.betterhealth.com.  Check oiut Gamma linolenic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha lipoic acid Good Luck Hans

Response: