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  • 1.  October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 05-10-2022 10:00

    Hi Members,

    This month in the Online Community Forum, our focus is the complications that can arise due to diabetes.

    We will share resources, videos, research, media articles, and hold a live Q & A meeting with a registered nurse and credentialled diabetes educator, Myles from our Hobart office.

    We also want to hear from you.

    What are some issues you have come across during your time living with diabetes? Do you have any advice?

    We look forward to hearing from you and bring you this information.

    Kind regards, Ange.




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    Community Team
    Natasha, Erin and Ange
    community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
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  • 2.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 06-10-2022 13:27
    I have a medical issue that started about 18 mths ago, where I have increased stiffness in my fingers such that I cannot make a fist, and also more difficult to flatten my hands together. My doctor advised it is diabetic cheiroarthropathy and occurs because of the length of time which I have had type 1 (30+ yrs). Even though I have had a reasonable HBA1C over time of about 7.1, (and last yr about 6.5), it is something that "just occurs" due to the length of time. Interested to hear from others who have been affected and any possible treatment.

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    Michael
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 06-10-2022 16:52
    Hi Michael,
    I have had T1 for 56 years. I have slightly inward curved fingers but can make a good strong fist. My last HbA1c was 6.7 and is mostly in the range 6.1 - 6.8.

    I do have stiffness in my musculature and have to work on flexibility every day.

    Regards
    David

    Adjunct Professor David H McKinnon
    School of Education
    Edith Cowan University
    Joondalup 6027, Perth
    Western Australia

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  • 4.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 08-10-2022 00:41
    I have been Type 1 since childhood  [for 69 years now] & got inflammatory Rheumatoid arthritis about 10 years ago, which has affected my hands, so I can barely move my fingers. I guess diabetes could be a contributing factor too. I will ask my Rheumatologist next time, but I don't think much can be done about it except painful injections.  Paul D.

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    Paul
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 12-10-2022 15:08
    Hello everyone, I am type 1, (35 years) & had a very stiff right hand for a while & couldn't make a fist.  Now the right hand is better, although weaker, & now I have a stiff left hand, & can't make a fist.   Does it get any better over time, or something we have to put up with?   Fran

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    Frances
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 13-10-2022 15:01
    Hi Frances
    I have been T1 for over 30 years and have had hand problems for the last 10 years. Originally Cortisone  injections helped but gradually the length of time between reduced to weeks instead of months. I have also been to numerous specialists and trialled various options but no real success. It is now really just learning to manage the pain. Wish it was different.
    Liz

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    Elizabeth
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 14-10-2022 09:54

    Hi Francis,

    When you say that you couldn't make a fist with your right hand, but now it is better, did it just improve over a period of time? How long did it take, as mine has slowly been getting worse over about 18mths. My initial question raised about hand complications was seeking people with this issue, and how we may deal with it.

    Michael

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows

     




    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 14-10-2022 12:34
    Michael, I guess my right had just improved over time.  Didn't notice any difference until I found I had a problem with the left hand.  Frances

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    Frances
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: October topic of the month - diabetes complications

    Posted 06-10-2022 21:08

    In regards to complications, I was just reading  new statistics showing death rates in people living with type 1 diabetes across a wide range of ages have declined in countries including Australia and USA,  yet   people with type 1 diabetes still have a significant  2-5 times higher risk of death compared to those without.
    Complications leading to the death rate being a significant 2-5 times higher than average might be because of the expense and cost of seeing specialists such as cardiologists and ophthalmologists. Cardiovascular problems are the biggest killer for Type1's yet the out of pocket expenses can be a huge hindrance for seeking constant vigilance. The same goes with seeing an ophthalmologist, an important visit as the eyes can be a key indicator of future problems with Type1's, or hand surgeon, renal specialists etc etc.
    Type1's with a comorbid condition may receive assistance under the chronic health plan  for ancillary medical such as 5 visits a year to a Podiatist or dietician, yet when it comes down to receiving financial assistance for the number one complication and killer, cardiovascular issues the expenses can be insurmountable to many Type1's. We certainly deserve better!



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    Michael
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    Original Message


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