Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Imbalance Issues Despite Having Diabetes?
Question: I am a 65 year old diabetic on insulin not under control yester day I tried to get out of bed my right foot and leg felt like I was stepping through a sponge I was off balance
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different possible causes for abnormal sensations: (1) diabetic neuropathy (this is nerve damage due to diabetes
Diabetes can be associated problems with the nerves. It can cause different symptoms such as those you are experiencing. Other symptoms are numbness, tingling, pain
It is related to damage to the nerves.
(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency can also result in abnormal sensations and a change in balance.
A blood test can check the levels and if low, replacement can be given
(3)liver or kidney disease- this is mainly associated with abnormal sensations
(4)Vertigo- this is the sensation of the room or person spinning. Main causes are inner ear conditions such as BPPV, meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis
(5)decreased fluid intake and dehydration can cause dizziness and loss of balance
(6)if blood sugars are very abnormal- very high or low, this can also cause loss of balance
(7)neurological conditions such as stroke, MS
If it recurs then you can visit your doctor for assessment. This would involve physical examination with particular attention to the nerves in the limbs.
Blood tests- blood sugar assessment, vitamin b12, folate,liver or kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different possible causes for abnormal sensations: (1) diabetic neuropathy (this is nerve damage due to diabetes
Diabetes can be associated problems with the nerves. It can cause different symptoms such as those you are experiencing. Other symptoms are numbness, tingling, pain
It is related to damage to the nerves.
(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency can also result in abnormal sensations and a change in balance.
A blood test can check the levels and if low, replacement can be given
(3)liver or kidney disease- this is mainly associated with abnormal sensations
(4)Vertigo- this is the sensation of the room or person spinning. Main causes are inner ear conditions such as BPPV, meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis
(5)decreased fluid intake and dehydration can cause dizziness and loss of balance
(6)if blood sugars are very abnormal- very high or low, this can also cause loss of balance
(7)neurological conditions such as stroke, MS
If it recurs then you can visit your doctor for assessment. This would involve physical examination with particular attention to the nerves in the limbs.
Blood tests- blood sugar assessment, vitamin b12, folate,liver or kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
