What causes arm numbness in a diabetic?
Patient: I am a 36 year juvenile diabetic who has been diabetic for 25 years. I am in good health except my right arm falls asleep every night for the last year. Diabetic dr said it wasn t diabetes related because it would be in both arms. What else could it be? Doctor: Hi...Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC...I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns...Numbness in hands is an extremely common and bothersome symptom.  It could result from pressure on nerves when your arm is crooked under your head as you fall asleep. Usually painless and soon relieved by removing the pressure that caused it. In many cases, however, numbness in the hands can be severe, episodic, or chronic. It also can accompany other symptoms, such as tingling, pain, itching and muscle wasting. In such cases, numbness may be a sign of nerve damage, which can result from traumatic injuries or repetitive stress injuries, bacterial or viral infections, toxic exposures, and systemic diseases such as diabetes. Such nerve damage is known as neuropathy it affects nerves distant from the brain and spinal cord, often in the hands and feet.Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for about 30% of cases.If numbness is persistent in your hands it’s important to seek prompt medical evaluation. The earlier the underlying cause of your numbness is identified and brought under control, the less likely you are to suffer potentially lifelong consequences.Hope this information helps...Thanks & Regards,Dr.Shiwani