Hello Mary! This sounds like a really difficult and painful situation, and we are so sorry you are dealing with this.

Sudden peripheral neuropathy along with worsening fasting blood sugar and A1c, is something that needs direct, hands on care from a doctor, and it is beyond what we are able to diagnose or manage at FRN. Please don’t lose hope though. There are some things worth knowing and bringing to your medical team.

One thing that stands out is that peripheral neuropathy has a well documented link to vitamin B12 deficiency, and this is a nutrient that anyone eating a fully plant based diet absolutely needs to supplement, since it is very difficult to get otherwise. It would be worth asking your doctor to check your B12 level specifically, and ideally also your homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, since these can sometimes reveal a functional deficiency even when standard B12 looks normal on paper. If you are not already taking a B12 supplement specifically, or if the dose has not been reassessed recently, that is an important thing to bring up. Some other nutrients worth asking about include vitamin D, omega 3s, and folate, since imbalances there have also been associated with nerve related symptoms.

It is also worth knowing that a sudden worsening of blood sugar and A1c, even with a clean diet and consistent exercise, can happen for reasons unrelated to diet quality itself, including thyroid issues, medication side effects, stress, or other underlying conditions. This is really important information for your doctor to explore, since it sounds like your daily habits already reflect a great deal of care and discipline.

We understand the frustration of not finding a plant based knowledgeable provider who is covered by insurance. A couple of paths that sometimes help are asking your primary doctor for a referral to an endocrinologist, since neuropathy plus blood sugar changes often falls within their scope even before a full diabetes diagnosis, and asking specifically if a registered dietitian visit can be coded as medical nutrition therapy under your neuropathy or pre diabetes diagnosis, since coverage rules vary and sometimes a doctor’s specific referral language makes a difference. You can also take a look at https://plantrician.org/ to find plant-based practitioners on your own that may be covered by your insurance.

We would also gently encourage you not to blame the plant based approach itself. The pattern you describe, whole foods, beans, whole grains, seeds, and consistent movement, is exactly what the research supports for long term metabolic health. What seems to be missing is the individualized piece, making sure nutrient levels, medications, and any underlying causes are being properly evaluated alongside the diet.

Thank you again for reaching out. We truly hope you find relief soon and get the answers you deserve! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thanks so much for the kind words, TJ! We’re happy you’re here in our community. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Glad you enjoyed it! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team