black toenail

[Andyjack]

I am a 37 year old type 1 diabetic. I have been a diabetic for 8 years now. My A1C has averaged around a 9 to a 10 for the most part. For the past 4 months I have experienced severe pain in my calf, thigh and feet. I have also had a throbbing ache and sting through out my whole body. About a week ago both of my big toes felt raw to the touch at the toe nail and now my right big toe nail has turned black and is sore. My vision has been getting blurry when i read. I also have a history of Afib. What could this be?

[Super_sally888]

Hi AndyJack,  I replied under a separate post. Please go see your Dr and get your foot checked out.  Let us know how you go.

[Andyjack]

Thank you for the advice, can you give a couple of examples for a very low carb / high fat / moderate protein diet?

[Super_sally888]

You could be developing a blood clot or gangrene.  This is a medical emergency, so please go to see your dr and get this properly assessed now.

If you are lucky, it may just be neuropathy (also serious, but not life-threatening like the above).

Your average a1c of 9 - 10 means you have an average blood sugar of 240 - 280. Considering that normal non-diabetic  blood sugars are in the range of 80-120 and a normal Hb1c is < 5.0, your blood sugars are very dangerously high.

Are you using basal / bolus insulin?  If not, you need to.

Would strongly recommend you follow a low carb diet (very low carb / high fat / moderate protein).

The following books can be used as resource to find out how to properly use insulin:-

Using Insulin
Think Like a Pancreas
Diabetes Solutions

If you cannot get your blood sugar under control you are at serious risk of major complications or even death?

IF your dr will not help you get this under control very quickly, you need to look for another doctor.

However, for now, what you describe may possibly be a medical emergency.  Please see your dr and let us know how you go.