Diabetes.Blog.com

1 - For Karen K - I thought that was what I had on my right leg, tho I presented with the reddish brown coloring and a sort of wasting below the calf, with my calf getting larger. I went to five doctors here in the central valley of CA and finally was referred to San Francisco. I saw two dermatologists at UCSF and they called it champagne leg. It is also called chronic stasis. I need to wear compression stockings for the rest of my life. However, the cause, in my case, is edema dating from 1960 that has damaged the tissue. They could feel it in the other leg too, and now you can see discoloration there also. But it is going much slower, thanks to the stockings. I was diagnosed in March or April of 2003. The right leg began showing signs about three months before. In the 2-1/2 years since, it is stable and the left barely shows.

Do you have any ulcerations?

I agree, you need to see a dermatologist, perferably a high powered one like the two women I saw. In the meantime, try compressions stockings. I get mine on e-bay.

Good luck and let me know what happens. You can reach me at jlnhjm@sbcglobal.net.

Helen (Comment this)

2 - Helen....no I do not have any open ulcerations. Some areas look like they could get that way. My endo did tell me recently to try using an antibiotic ointment on the leg, so I am using it 2 to 3 times a week now.

Written by: karenk in arizona at 2005/08/13 - 08:08 (Comment this)

3 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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4 - Does anyone else have skin problems caused by their diabetes? (Comment this)

5 - Am I the only one with skin problems?? My leg is really worrying me, so I finally made an appointment with a dermatologist. Since I will be a new patient it will be a month before I can get it. So far my regular dr and my endo tell me not to worry about the leg. But it does ache and hurt sometimes and I worry that the skin may break and turn into an ulcer or something. (Comment this)

6 - I am having a skin problem. Scaly, callus-like areas on my fingers, mainly near the last joint. They are similar to those I'd get from, say, raking the yard too much, but I haven't done anything like that. It seems to be spreading rather than improving. I've been on Byetta for about 6 weeks and BS readings have been very good. I didn't see any similar posts on the Byetta blog, so I'm trying this one. I'm not scheduled to go back to my Endo for another 3 weeks and if I need to see a Dermo I'd like to go ahead and try to schedule that. (Comment this)

7 - === Off topic post ===
Please read Dubious comments at this blog

Thanks. (Comment this)

8 - Hi Chris,

I am not sure what to tell you about your fingers. I don't know alot about what effects diabetes has on our skin, I just know that it can cause problems. I am going to see a dermatologist on Oct 5th. My leg is bothering me alot and I just hope it is not something that will turn into an ulcer someday. I just can't beleive how unconcerned my endo is about it. Hopefully some more people will join us on this thread. (Comment this)

9 - Anti fungal cream SEEMS to be helping the problem. It's getting better but not yet gone. (Comment this)

10 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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11 - Does anyone know if diabetes can cause small raised rough places on my skin? (Comment this)

12 - Where are the rough places? I am finally seeing a dermatologist tomorrow about my skin problems with my leg. (Comment this)

13 - Hi Karenk in arizona, they are mainly on my legs and I have had them also on the backs of my hand but those have seemed to have gone away. (Comment this)

14 - Are the areas on your legs skin colored or are they other colors? Mine are various different colors of reds and browns...several inches across now. The derm did a biopsy yesterday. He went right in there and did a punch in the worst looking area....ouch!!!! It is sore, but I wanted him to do it so we can know for sure what it is. We think we know what it is, but I will wait until I get the results back and then post it. (Comment this)

15 - These are small and slightly raised, they are skin color or just a bit lighter than my skin. (Comment this)

16 - okay.. I guess it was a fungus afterall. Anti-fungal cream has cleared it all up. (Comment this)

17 - I already visited the doctor and he said it had to do with my diabetes, but I am concerned about it. I started two months ago and it shows more on the right side, but also have it on the left. It's like tiny vessels that rupture more on the lower inside thigh and it looks reddish-brownish, it has not extended to other areas. (Comment this)

18 - I have been on byetta for 5 months. I am loosong weight, but i have a rash every time i give myself a shot. It itches like poison ivy. It looks like excema. Than it gets scaby. I'm full of scabs. (Comment this)

19 - I just got type two and it started with two weeks of tremdious thirst, 30 lbs of weight loss and red itchy knots in and on my skin(armpit, groin, legs). My blood sugar was over 600 when I finally got to see a doc. It took a month of working with the shots, exercise and a good diet and now I'm averaging around 175 and going down slowly. I am waiting for an appointment for the skin stuff. It forms knots - sometimes under the skin some times on the skin and always gets infected no matter what I do. I've tried over the counter anti fungal stuff without any success and the antibacterial stuff with very limited success. It's taking two to three hot showers a day just to keep it from spreading to much. Anyone had this problem or heard of anything like it? I've never had any thing close to this happen before.
Thanks,

Gene
 (Comment this)

20 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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21 - I've heard that diabetics should use lotions with lanolin in them. Medicool advertises them in their pamphlets and on their web site. Just a thought. I'm going to order some. (Comment this)

22 - Hello all, this is my first post here, just found the blog today and already I've learned so much from you all!
I was wondering if any of you have gotten boils, or "blood blisters" since diagnosed with Diabetes?

I get them in the areas of my body that sweat a lot, inner thigh near the groin or on the stomach. No where else, but they are extremely painfull, very large and filled with dark red blood, no pus or head whatsoever, so I don't really know what they are.
I've only had them since I got diagnosed with Type 2, two years ago.
I use an OTC salve called Boil Ease, which really helps, but I'm left with dark purple scars afterward.
Does anyone have these and is there any relief for it?
Thank you so much. (Comment this)

23 - Hi!

I notice that my skin is much drier on Byetta and I have small red scaly patches (but not itchy). I put cream on them and they seem to do better, but they don't go away.

My scalp is also drier.

I don't know if it's because of my diabetes or the Byetta.

~In Messiah,
Vickilynn
Micah 6:8 (Comment this)

24 - is 3000mg per day too much metformin. i need to know. thanks. (Comment this)

25 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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26 - I have been on Byetta approximately 4-5 months. Have not had any problems from it - at all! Except..... a few months ago my left hand got subcutaneous capillary bleeding on the back of it - looked like a bright red rash. Had been taking the shots in my arm initially, then switched to my stomach. It is possible I had done an arm injection before this particular reaction. As of one month ago - I started intermittent bruising on injection areas on my stomach. No big deal. Three days ago happened to switch to my arm. The next morning had the rash-looking bleeding again on the back of same hand (arm which shot was given it). No white upon pressure. Definitely suspicious this was a reaction to the Byetta. Anyone else had such a thing?
Thanks
Rae (Comment this)

27 - TO CAROLYN FROM TEXAS ReALLERGIC REACTIONS POSSIBLY FROM BYETTA:
Hey Carolyn, sorry this is happening to you and hopefully it is not the Byetta. I have welts appear (with pretty intense itching) only at the injection site. The spots can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to bigger than a quarter if it's a really nasty one. I use Benedryl cream or spray on them. I seem to get them worse in the lesser absorbing areas (legs especially) and I have a ring of them going across my belly now as I am trying a grid pattern with injections. They start out tiny on the sides and as they get to the very center of my belly (straight down from navel) they are much bigger. Don't seem to have as much problem with arms. I do recall readin back in the December forum maybe of some who were breaking out in hives on the neck and back and other areas. Hard to say if it is Byetta or something else. Have you looked for any sign of welts? Only a few of us are getting them. Have you used any new or different kind of washing detergent or soap or lotion or anything? Think of every possibility. Also it could be still from the puppy. Does your rash look like hives? What other medications are you taking? Any new medications in the mix? Sorry so many questions, just want to help you with this puzzle. I know the itching is miserable but not as bad as the severe nausea some are having so I'll live with it and try not to grumble too loudly! Hang in there! (Comment this)

28 - CINDYLOU:
This is now turning into a full blown allergic reaction requiring more than just minimal benedryl. Face swelling, etc.

I was very careful not to go on any new medications of foods or anything else i could think of because I wanted to have a clear view of things in case I did turn out to be allergic to this. And I thought of everything I could think of -- like -- perhaps there might be an article of clothing used while the puppy was here -- but I feel pretty certain at this point that it Is the Byetta shot.

I am so very, very sorry. I will miss all of you on the blog who helped me so much. (Comment this)

29 - CAROLYN ReALLERGIC REACTION:
OH NO CAROLYN! Well,you certainly don't have anything to be sorry for, I'm just so sorry you have to quit taking it. You get that taken care of ASAP, ok? Seek medical attention for it, you may need to get a shot or something. Meanwhile after you are off of the Byetta if it should turn out to be something else (can always hope!), then PLEASE come back and join us. We will miss you too. (Comment this)

30 - You all have been wonderful. More than I can ever say.
I am pulling for every single one of you -- believe in you -- and also believe in this drug.

I am just one of those hyper allergic individuals. But I do know that and know to be prepared.

Now that a few people know I have tried it, I am already getting calls from other "newbies" and can function in my own Dallas/Metroplex community as a support person. (Comment this)

31 - You all have been wonderful. More than I can ever say.
I am pulling for every single one of you -- believe in you -- and also believe in this drug.

I am just one of those hyper allergic individuals. But I do know that and know to be prepared.

Now that a few people know I have tried it, I am already getting calls from other "newbies" and can function in my own Dallas/Metroplex community as a support person. (Comment this)

32 - I am having the same welt reaction. It seems to be in a few other places than just the injection site, but the site is the worse. I want to stay on this stuff, I just hope it doesn't spread further and become a full blown allergic reaction. Cindylou, I know you have struggled with this. (Comment this)

33 - BOB ReWELTS AT BYETTA INJECTION SITE:
Hey there Bob, I posted to you about the welts over in ODDS AND ENDS. I know I didn't have a lot of answers, mostly just theories because we just really don't know the answers. Sorry you are going through them too. Some people do quit having them but I have not been so lucky. I call them "monster bites". (Comment this)

34 - Hey, Cindylou, gilly spitkin friend,

Your welts,alias hives or whatever, are starting to get worrisome. They sound like they are getting worse. Has your doc seen them, and expressed any concern? I don't recall your mentioning what he said about them.

I wish you could find a solution soon and that they don't start showing up in places where you have not been injecting. Please be cautious...

BTW, I too had about 50 lbs. to lose, only took off 12 also, so far (put 2 back on with the ice cream ) and still have about 40 lbs, to go. Not too encouraging, especially when I feel that I am eating very little! You too? Plus, you must be sooo uncomfortable. My problem could be staying on the 5, but with the unceasing nausea, I have no choice.

WELTS BE GONE!!!!!! (Comment this)

35 - SHARI ReCINDYLOU'S EVERPRESENT WELTS:
I'm turning into a spotted lizard! Shari, thanks for your concern. I'm not even sure it is hives except it does itch like it. It doesn't LOOK like it to me though. I've had hives before and hives on me looks like a rash with large red places and tiny red dots of rash around, etc. This is round or oblong and only ever around the injection site. Sometimes weirdly it will appear 24 hours later and sometimes immediatly. Sometimes they last for a week and you can see the purple area for as much as a week after that. Other times is leaves in a couple of days. Some itch terribly, sometimes they don't. It is NOT spreading anywhere else. I look regularily all over to be sure. I did tell my endo back in Dec. because this has been going on since the beginning when I was on the 5 dose. I told her I had red "blotches" at the injection site. She said (almost as if she expected it) that it was not a problem unless it was "really bad". She did not look at it. I guess she means if it spreads? Don't really know what "really bad" means, but I'm not going to mention it anymore because I do not want to be taken off this medication!
Now that you know how much I need to lose (I'm 5"8), it doesn't sound like I need a longer needle due to be extremely overweight and it not getting deep enough in the skin, do you think?

About you staying on the 5 dose because of the nausea...Of course only you can decide, but if you are nauseous anyway, and nauseous is nauseous...then why not try some 10 doses to see if it helps with your weight but doesn't make you anymore nauseated than you are. I was NOT worse with the 10 and from what I understand we are only supposed to be on the 5 to prepare us to be on the optimum dose of 10. Now, you know your own body and your own situation, but there are a few extra doses in each pen I think and you could give it a try and see if it helps. Say a 5 in the morning and 10 at supper to start out, then try 10 and 10? It might jump start some more weight loss for you.
Who knows, with the way this stuff works oppositly for people it might be your nausea ceases on the 10 dose! Crazier things have happened! I think for me the Avandia is hindering great weight loss, but as little as I am eating I surely ought to be losing! Yesterday I really believe I could have gone the whole day without food. It's scary! I did eat a bit, but not much. Just wasn't hungry. Other times I have been hungry. I just try to listen to my body and respond. Today I have experienced a little queasiness (that means not quite nausea to me, or it's trying to decide if it wants to be nauseated or not!) I had the queasiness after breakfast with only 1 hard boiled egg and 1 slice of melba thin rye. Should NOT have made that darn little lizard mad, but seems it did... (Comment this)

36 - I WISH I WAS 5'8!

My 50 lb excess weight, now 40 lbs or so, would be a lot less noticeable and my shoulders would hurt a lot less from reaching for things in the stores etc. I truly am a munchkin, (alias spitkin,)'cause I'm only 5'0, if I'm lucky,(we shrink with age, and spinal arthritis, you know.)

The reason we are meeting here today is because of your welts, of course.

I was thinking, when they do scratch tests for allergies, they are by name, very skin surfaced little scratch tests.
This makes me feel more inclined than ever to see you try the longer needle. It may make it better because you will be well below the dermis or even the epidermis, and into the subcutaneous layer. Now, don't get the idea that I know what I'm talking about, because if you are allergic, it may even give you a bigger welt. You may only get the same sized welt, in which case chuck the longer needles..
or maybe we'll get lucky and you'll have NO welt!

So this was my message before, and if this one doesn't go through, then I'm through!
 (Comment this)

37 - HEY, IT WENT THROUGH!

A word of caution, Cindylouchickenspitkin:

If, you choose to give it a try, then I would be very careful to observe what happens before you do the second longer needle injection. (Comment this)

38 - ON SECOND THOUGHT,CINDYLOU,

Since I really don't know what I'm talking about, maybe it's not such a good idea. I suppose it could cause an even worse reaction, if you are truly allergic to something in the juice!

Have you thought about seeing a dermatologist or an allergist? (Comment this)

39 - SHARI ReWELTS AND ALLERGIES:
Shari, I'm so bummed out with Bob's new post back at the ranch. Really. I will not dare to go to anyone with this for fear of being taken off this medicine. It is the only thing working for me. My fasting bg numbers have been under 120 every day this week! That is amazing for me! I thought about what you said and about buying a small pack of 8mm needles to see if it helps, but I don't see why if I was allergic a longer needle would make it worse. I just am so frustrated by this. The last few injections have been fine, unless they are going to appear 24 hours later which has been known to happen. Haven't had a welt since the ones on my arms the other day. Nothing is spreading and no itching elsewhere. I just can't figure out how others like Kate WERE breaking out in welts and now AREN'T! If it is an allergy, how did they become UN-ALLERGIC to it? She thinks it is a drop of the juice coming back up through the needle to the skin and hers have stopped by the re-setting of the pen in the skin technique. I'm just going to keep my mouth shut and live with these welts. (Comment this)

40 - CINDYLOU,

I couldn't believe it when I saw Bob's post. I felt bad for him and concerned for you.

Have you been using Kate's method? Maybe yours have finally given up too, if it's been a few days...

Don't dispair, you are so kind and thoughtful to everyone,
only good things should happen for you. (Comment this)

41 - SHARI ReWELTS AND WELTS AND WELTS OH MY:
I feel really bad for him too but it sounded like he was having some kind of reaction that could have been dangerous. I think if 2 more of his doctor's patients have them then there is a greater percentage of us getting these than I thought. Wonder why others don't? What size needle do you use?

Yes, I'm using Kate's method and I'm not seeing the drops after I pull the needle out now, but I do have drops before I put the needle in on this pen. I get them off when I see them before I inject, but it is like my pen is so spring loaded the minute I set it juice starts coming out. I wonder if I should try to put the needle on in the skin and then turn it to the 10 in my skin. Kind of the same thing I'm doing at the end, but do it at the beginning to. Can't hurt I guess, it's just that I have to be careful not to pull or twist you know...
I don't think mine have given up. I think a couple of them might be there and are just a little faint. I just looked again and noticed that. I wonder if I should just put some of the juice directly on my skin somewhere and see if it reacts. I really, really would like to figure out what exactly is doing this... (Comment this)

42 - To Cindylou and Shari: I guess I am just a die hard. I convinced the doctor to let me try another shot a couple of weeks from know. But my question is: When I started getting the welts, I also started getting these chills at the same time. Have either or you got the same reaction only when you got the welts. I am still trying to find another reason for my reactions besides being allergic. If your's are going away with a specific technique for injecting, let me know what it is. The stuff worked so well, and now I am using insulin again and not losing weight that it may be worth another shot, so to speak. Thanks Bob (Comment this)

43 - TO BOB ReWELTS AND RE-STARTING BYETTA:
Hello Bob! I sure hope you are very careful because your reaction seemed to be more than just the injection site reaction. I have been wondering if there are 2 different types of allergies or reactions. Please be very careful, but happy to have you back and hope it works for you next time with no reactions. I do get the chills MAJOR chills, but I never related it to the welts because I am always getting both. I am cold in general all the time (maybe low b.p. related?) so being on the Byetta has made me SUPER cold. I'll be freezing and my poor hot natured husband says, "it's just you because it is nearly 80 in this room"! I'm glad you were following our discussion on the injection technique, I was going to ask you if you saw that. So far the jury is still out on that one. I THINK it might be working, but since I can get the welts 24 hrs after shooting there I have to wait and see. I just put the needle tip on the pen, wipe skin with alcohol, let dry, and inject and then do ALL the dialing of the pen while in the skin---taking it to the number 10, push the plunger, I count about a good 12 seconds---dial it back till the arrow that goes sideways shows--count about 21 seconds and then slowly remove from skin. I count longer than others but I want to be sure I'm getting it all and hopefully all drips are gone. Did your doctor give you something to take just in case you have a severe reaction of somekind? I took a tiny drop of the spit and put it on my skin right above belly button this morning to see what (if anything) happens. I'm wondering if it is just a local reaction from contact with the skin or what...will let you know if anything happens...
 (Comment this)

44 - CHILLS;

Hi,CINDYLOUCHILLYGILLYSPITKIN...

Maybe we need to post all the various symtoms that we have all experienced as a reference, so newbies won't think theirs is unique and just keep adding new ones as they come along. They could be less alarming that way.

BOBGILLYDIEHARDSPITKINWANNABE..
As cindy mentioned, you need to be very cautious, but
lots of us spitkins have such chills that we won't be needing any air conditioning this summer, and most of us
don't have welts, so there doesn't seem to be a connection.

Hope you will be able to work things out.


 (Comment this)

45 - Cindylou and Shari: Have either of you noticed if the welts and/or chills are worse when you start a new pen? Anyone else? (Comment this)

46 - I've recently experienced a new "side effect"--maybe. I have a red rash on the inside of both legs at knee level. It itches like the devil. Previously I've noticed minor breakouts on my face, but didn't think about it being related to the use of Byetta.

Anyone having similar symtoms? This is my 4th week on 5.

Sherry in NC (Comment this)

47 - BOB ReWELTS AND CHILLS AT START OF NEW PEN:
Hello Bob, well, to tell you the truth I have chills most days usually an hour or so after shooting the spit. I have the welts all throughout and it seems to be for me more where on my body I inject rather than a matter of how far into the pen I am. Were you injecting in all 3 places (arms, thighs and belly) when your welts happened?

SHERRY IN NC ReRED RASH:
Hello Sherry, Where on your body have you been injecting? Does it look like hives? Have you done anything different lately that it could be attributed to other than the Byetta? (like new laundry detergent, new soap or lotion, new medications?) Anything going on differently since this rash? Did the breakouts on your face look like hives or like the ones on your legs? Do you ever have red "bites" at the injection site? Sorry so many questions. Just trying to analyze the situation to help you think of anything it might be... (Comment this)

48 - Sherry: I first had a small face breakout at about 2 weeks into Byetta. At 3 1/2 weeks I got the leg rash and welts and the injection site.

Cindylou: I was mainly using my upper legs, as I did for the insulin injections. Once in a while the stomach. No arms though. My upper arms tend to get sore anyway and I didn't want to had anything more. I was just asking about the new pens because it seems like at the other blogs, people are talking about a new pen being stronger and more side effects, some chills. Just trying to figure out why the welts/rash/chills when I had no real big side effects for 3 weeks. I guess I am trying to rationalize not be an allergic reaction building up over time. (Comment this)

49 - HEY CINDYLOU:
If you go to google and put in welts from injection you'll see diabetes,blog.com is there with a reference to one of your posts.

SHERRY; Please don't be alarmed, but I was looking for a site that I think I saw previously the mention of what you are describing as being an increase in an allergic reaction. I'm going back to see if I can find it. (Comment this)

50 - SHARI ReGOOGLE REFERENCE:
Shari, that is exactly how I found this blog to begin with. I was freaked out about the welts and even though I had talked with my Endo about them I wanted to know more. I googled and saw where someone else was talking about them, went to this blog, started reading and realizing that I wasn't in this Byetta thing alone and much of what I was experiencing was being discussed. That is kind of ironic that they have my post there now.
Thanks for helping out with Sherry's question. That is what I am wondering about 2 different allergic reactions. Or is it just that the injection-site welts are the beginnings of going into full reaction? My welt situation has improved GREATLY (so far) with this new technique and the little drop I placed directly on my skin has not done anything yet. So far, so good... (Comment this)