Q: I am 29 years old with type 2 diabetes. For the past 2 years, my sugar levels are OK. My HbA1c is 7.1; Fasting is 90 mg and PP is 130. For the last year and a half, I have severe burning sensation in my body. Particularly in my legs, toes, hands, wrist and some times in the back also. Recently I have noticed that there is serious numbness in my hands and legs while I am asleep. I consulted the doctor and he prescribed Gabaneuron, Nerocheck and Mecglay. He asked me to take one every night and day. For my sugar, he prescribed Eugling. Why am I getting this problem, even though my sugar levels are low and borderline? What do I need to do for this? I have limited means and feel like committing suicide due to the burning sensation. Please advise.

A:You are suffering from type 2 DM for past 2 years. Your present sugar levels are ok; HbA1c is mildly raised. The complaints of burning sensations predominantly in the distal parts of the body (toes, legs and hands) along with numbness raise the possibility of involvement of peripheral nerves. However, it is unlikely to develop within 2 years of onset of DM and especially with good control of sugar. Therefore, other causes of nerve involvement need to be excluded. Hence, you need to consult a good neurologist. You have referred to financial constrains. There are Good Government run hospitals in most of the major cities in India and you can get a free consultation. In some hospitals, you can get some medicines free of cost too. There is some indication that psychologically you are feeling a bit low at times especially during the burning sensations. It will not be a bad idea to consult a psychiatrist too. Rest assured that your problem could be solved.