Hi there. I have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes. I had gestational diabetes with my last baby (9 months post partum) but I just took 1 metformin a day and that was all I needed. Afterwards my sugars went back to normal but considering that I am so overweight I am flirting with developing diabetes. I have been having a lot of numbness and tingling in my hands (both of them) over the past few weeks. It could be just carpal tunnel syndrome, I did have a EMG (test for nerve response) in one arm last year because of a shoulder injury and the doctor said I had mild carpal tunnel then but I was pregnant and it could have been because of my pregnancy. He did suggest a wrist splint trial. So when I called the doctor's office about this they had me in for some blood work (because thyroid levels can also cause numbness and tingling) and I got the splints (a pain in the butt). I'm just wondering if others who have diabetes ever had numbness and tingling in their hands prior to be diagnosed?

The common neuropathy of diabetes start in the feet long before it shows up in the hands.

Carpal tunnel is a syndrome of tingling in the thumb and first two fingers, not the whole hand.

Diabetic persons may have a higher risk for carpal tunnel, but it's so common even without diabetes.

I knew that about the ring and pinkie finger not being affected by carpal tunnel but I didn't know about diabetic neuropathy starting in the feet. Thanks for telling me that!

Jen,
I had this from pregnancy. There's a syndrome name for this that I can't remember. I was diagnosed about 5 mos. postpartum by an orthopedist. It was so bad I could barely move my hands. Apparently there are hormones released during pregnancy and postpartum that cause tendons (particularly in the hands if I'm not mistaken) to swell. This can cause tingling, numbness, and difficult movement. I had agonizing pain as well. I went the splint route with antiinflamitory drugs as well. It eventually went away. Hopefully this is what you have because it's easier to deal with than diabetes! Maybe you should consider getting a glucose meter too. They're not very expensive and it's easy to test, just so you know what's going on. I am just prediabetic, but I test myself every so often to see what's going on (I'm trying to avoid the diabetes through diet and exercise). Best wishes with your hand troubles.
Greencrazed

Jen,
I just remembered the name of the syndrome. Try googling "finklestein's syndrome" and "baby wrist". Hopefully this is what you have, because at least it will go away down the road.
Best wishes,
Greencrazed

JEN ~ yes, I had this problem with my pre-diabetes; and from my research, this is very common for both diabetes and pre-diabetes (also when you have high blood sugar and low blood sugar). I take METFORMIN each day and watch what I eat; and my blood sugar levels are back in the normal range (most steady in the 5's), but like others, I do have to test my count 1-2 times a month to make sure I am keeping it there, as it is sooo very easy to stray ...

There is something called RAYNAUD'S disease which can cause the same problem (which may also have a circulation cause); BUT -- since you had gestational Diabetes while pregnant, I would bet there is a connection there (I think that is kind of a sign). Ask your doctor about this.

I don't have the tinglies much anymore; it eventually went away -- probably from eating better, and getting more exercise and stuff like that. Just walking can bring your blood sugar levels down and exercise in general is supposed to improve your circulation. I do special exercises for my lower legs to help improve the circulation in them now, and it seems to be helping.

My doctor suggested not letting my arms and legs dangle too much; moving around more; not sitting too long in one position; putting my legs up 2-3 times a day; and I find not sleeping on my extremities helps (as that can cause numbness and tinglies too). Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes; and sit on comfortable chairs that are the correct height for you. All these little things help ...