Joint Pain

Can upper abdominal pain be a sign of diabetes?

I've had upper abdominal pain, and my doc diagnosed me as having a mild case of pancreatitis (no tests were done). I've had a numbness on and off in my left thigh and left arm, back pain on the same side. I also have a "floater" in my vision sometimes. I think I could have diabetes (my brother has it who is 37, I'm 30). Does anyone think these are all signs of diabetes?

Public Comments

1. Anything's possible, but it doesn't sound like it to me. If you want to know for sure, just make an appointment for the lab at your clinic for a finger prick to test for diabetes. That's all it will take & they'll be able to tell you in just a few minutes. I had upper abdominal pain over two years ago. I was also bloated, had low back aches. My MD scheduled me for an ultrasound. I had my gallbladder out less than a week later. As for the "floater" in your vision? Go and get an eye exam and let the optomatrist know about that before they even examine your eyes. They can see things in the eye that an MD can't.
2. At first guess I would say no, but some of your symptoms could be signs of diabetes or possably other problems. However there are easy tests that can be done to find out. You can always schedule another appointment with your doctor. Tell him what you are afraid of and tell him that you want to be sure with blood work. Don't be afraid to disagree with your doctor or ask for tests to be done. Simply because your doctor diagnosis you with something does not mean that it is written in stone, and does not mean that you should be afraid to seek a second opinion. Nothing is more valueable or healthy than peace of mind. Remember you are your best medical advocate and you are the customer. Make sure you get what you need. If you want to do a quick check of your blood sugar then find a glucose testing machine (Probably like then one your brother has) and test your self. Remember your are seeing how well your body is dealing with the sugar that you are putting into your system, so eat a regular meal like you normally would do, wait and hour, and then do the test. As a paramedic I test glucose levels everyday on the job. A reading of 60 to100 is usually considered normal, but I don't get too excited if someone reads in the 100 to120 range, especially if they just ate recently. However, if you really want to get a good idea then do the test for three days, once when you just wake up, and then a hour after each full meal you eat, then write them down and bring the results with you to your doctor. If you get a reading that is high, re-test just to make sure, then call your doctor and tell him what you found. He should be conserned with an unusually high reading and schedule you an appointment asap. If he does not then I would find a new doctor. As far as the numbness goes I am not sure. You did not mention any neck or back injuries which is the chief cause in numbness or loss of sensation. I would definatly follow up with your doctor about that and maybe even get a ECG done on your heart (although you are really young to have a heart problem). As far as the back pain goes that can be caused by the pancreatitis. Often times abdominal pain can be refered to other places in the body, especially the back. Remember what I said about you being your best medical advocate. It is not that doctors are wrong a lot, in fact most of the time they right, but do not just accept what the doctor says and then hope for the best. Go in to your doctor with a list of all your symptoms and then tell him what you are afraid of. Then tell him that you would like to be sure with any tests that he sees as prudent. Most importantly do leave until he has an explination for all of your symptoms and has answered all of your questions. Write them down if you have trouble remembering. Best of luck.
3. not usually. it sounds like you gallbladder.
4. abdominal pain is a sign of high blood sugar but not usually the first symptom you would see. Go to the website by the American Diabetes Association to learn more. http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp
5. Where is the pain exactly in your upper abdomen? I'm not saying that no tests need to be done, but pancreatitis is very distinct in where the pain is, and what it feels like... It could be a sign of diabetes, go get a test kit and find out... they're only like 15 bucks from rite aid, get a cheap one... they all tell you the same thing... I'm diabetic, from having pancreatitis... And when you're having an onset of pancreatitis, it's not uncommon to have a fluctuation in your blood sugar... Your pancreas is what creates your insulin... I had half of my pancreas removed, because of tissue necrosis, worst pain ever... Be glad you have a mild case... It's interesting that your doc didn't admit you to the hospital and stop any intake, of anything.... Pancreatitis can easily get worse.... What i'd recommend (i'm not a doctor, but i almost died from it, and i'm in nursing school), is not to eat for a few days... Thats what they'd normally do in the hospital, that and give you pain meds... I've never seen anyone admitted to the hospital with pancreatitis, that they didn't starve for a few days. Of course, they usually have IV Nutrition... But hey... I've done it to myself during small bouts when I didn't have the time to sit in the hospital for a few days... Any food stimulates the pancreas to create enzymes... Stimulation of an already inflamed (-itis) pancreas (pancreat/o-) can make it worse... Think about it, would you jump on a broken leg? As for the diabetes... You'll know when you have it, get a test monitor, and check your glucose readings (AFTER you're done with pancreatitis, you'll get false readings if your pancreas is out of whack)... You'll know, the first major sign is urinating like, every 5 min... seriously, every 5 min... I know why you're probably paranoid about numbness... Because diabetics are known for loss of sensation in their extremities.. But, you're only 30, and honestly... I doubt you'd be experiencing any of that by now, but... I guess it's possible... You wouldn't have been looked over for that long, for you to be having numbness...