From: Mark_in_MO [#1]
30 Nov 2009
To: ALL
I have been having issues with brittle/fragile fingernails - they break constantly and frequently they break down into the quick which can be painful. Perhaps what I am doing is part of the issue, as I have broken nails several times over the last week while deer hunting, while hitching up a trailer to a truck, and while doing some masonry repair on chimney brickwork. Regardless, I am seeing the issue more frequently than in the past.
I think there were some comments in the old Blog about people having issues with their fingernails while taking Byetta. However, when I tried to search the old Blog I am unable to get access to the old files. When I did a search of the current Blog (DiabetesDiscussions.com) all I could find were a couple of threads where people said they were seeing increased fingernail growth since starting Byetta.
I thought I would re-ask the question - are others having problems with brittle fingernails? If so, are there any known/easy solutions to address the problem of fragile fingernails?
Thanks,
From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#2]
30 Nov 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#1] 30 Nov 2009
I don't know if it is the Byetta or a problem with all diabetics but my hands are always dry which includes the nails. I have to keep putting hand lotion and vita e oil on my nails and cuticles to keep them looking fairly decent.
I think it's because of all the hand washing I have to do when I test and when I work at the hospital. I'd give the vita e oil a try.
From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#3]
30 Nov 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#1] 30 Nov 2009
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#4]
30 Nov 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#1] 30 Nov 2009
From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#5]
30 Nov 2009
To: ALL
From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#6]
30 Nov 2009
To: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#4] 1 Dec 2009
Toneylee, don't ever think you are no longer of any use to this forum. You provide so much help and advice to those who come here and I don't think the site would ever be the same without you. I know you are frustrated about not being able to go back to the old blog but what you do remember is so helpful.
Not everyone can be blessed with a photographic memory and you do fine without one.
From: Mark_in_MO [#7]
30 Nov 2009
To: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#5] 30 Nov 2009
Sue,
I am not looking to blame Byetta for anything. I take several other prescriptions, and research into their side effects does not indicate any issues with finger nails. Since Byetta seems to have some side effects that are "undocumented" by the manufacturer, my question was simply - has anyone else experienced this issue as a potential side effect.
For all I know this might be something that is not even related to diabetes, and/or could be an indicator that a new issue is appearing. On the other hand it might just mean that I have failed to eat my daily recommended amount of Jello! ;-)
In any case, other than using hand lotion - are there any other suggestions on how to strengthen nails? Thanks,
From: Mark_in_MO [#8]
30 Nov 2009
To: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#4] 1 Dec 2009
toneylee,
not much use??? yeah - right....you have been one of the first responders for a lot of folks. I seriously doubt that anyone would attach the label "not much use" to your many posts.
If we cannot get to the old Blog, then we will press forward without it. frustration is not good for the BG so just :-) and let it go!
As for the wish for a photographic memory?? Oh my gosh no - then we would have to constantly remember all that stuff from high school !!!! :S
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and will have an even better Christmas!
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#9]
1 Dec 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#8] 1 Dec 2009
Oh yeah, right...I would hate to have to remember high school!
Merry Christmas to you, too, and thanks... :)
***Thanks to you, too, Sue.
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#10]
1 Dec 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#7] 1 Dec 2009
Mark: These are just my own ideas, but...
1. I remember Betty advising that everyone on Byetta should take a good multivitamin because you may be eating too little to get a balanced diet. Plus I have read that vitamin insufficiencies or a lack of adequate calcium may be related to brittle nails.
2. David Mendosa talked about dehydration with Byetta for the same reason--you don't remember to drink enough fluid because you aren't hungry. Plus I have read that dehydration can be related to brittle, peeling, cracking nails.
3. If inadequate calcium really is a cause, well, I've been doing a lot of research about vitamin D...which you need to use calcium. And here it is, wintertime, when the angle of the sun means not getting enough natural vitamin D. Not to mention that most of us are deficient anyway, according to all this new research. So, your doctor can test your blood for vitamin D precursors to see if you are low. And it might really be worth it to try. I'm starting to think that insufficient vitamin D is related to just about everything.
I know you've been on Byetta a long time and know a great deal more than I do, but maybe you are forgetting again to be hydrated and to eat enough while you are being so active? And vitamin D is supposed to be related to diabetes symptoms, too. Could any of this have relevance?
From: Mark_in_MO [#11]
1 Dec 2009
To: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#10] 2 Dec 2009
Toneylee - Thanks for your thoughts and inputs.
Vitamin D? - I spend several hours outside almost every day, and during the Fall I often spend entire days outside while hunting deer and game birds like pheasant & quail. So, along with the daily "stress" vitamin I take, I am probably OK with the Vit-D requirements.
Cacium? - I normally drink 2-3 glasses of 2% milk every day, so again with the daily "stress" vitamin I should be OK for calcium requirements.
The hydration issue may be the most pertinent, as I often skip lunch if I am not hungry, and do not drink a lot of water during the day - I definitely need to work at staying hydrated better. As you stated, I have been on Byetta for a long time, but everyone is subject to not paying attention to the details when we get busy at work or at fun. I will have to re-focus on the basic things that are so important.
Thanks again,
From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#12]
2 Dec 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#11] 2 Dec 2009
Mark,
Just a note about being outside and getting enough Vita D. As we age we do not absorb vita d from being out in the sun as well as we use to when we were younger. You might have your dr check your vita d levels when he does your next A1C while they are taking blood anyway. They have increased the requirements needed for our daily needs so it doesn't hurt to have it checked. Just because you are in the normal range you may still want to supplement if you are on the lower end of the range.
Just a thought because if you are lower on vita d that will affect how you absorb the calcium you are taking in every day too.
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#13]
2 Dec 2009
To: Mark_in_MO [#11] 2 Dec 2009
Ha, that's what I thought about vitamin D! But get this: During the summer, a Caucasian person can get enough vitamin D from sun exposure of 20-30 minutes IF face, arms, legs, and part of torso are ALL exposed. Otherwise, No. If you stand in the shade, you reduce vitamin D absorption by 60%. Sunscreen and even glass windows prevent vitamin D absorption.
In winter--specifically from Nov. through Feb.--the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University says that north of latitude 37 degrees little or no vitamin D can be synthesized on the skin by anyone.
The institute says, re calcium, "Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium absorption is not efficient enough to satisfy the body’s needs, even when calcium intake is adequate."
Also, as Geri says, the older you are the less efficiently you make vitamin D--a 70 year old makes only 25% that of a 20 year old with the same exposure. Overweight people synthesize less efficiently than slim people.
The recommended dosage is currently very low, although, the AAP (pediatrics) and the AMA have requested that the government reassess it. Many scientists now recommend 1000-2000 IU instead of the current 200-400 (which is in most supplements).
All right, I'm partly just showing off my new knowledge, but I'm also so impressed. Obviously, this may have nothing to do with your nails. But I also figured I was outside gardening and walking so much that I didn't have to worry about sun exposure. Now, I believe I was wrong (cuz I don't garden naked!), and I am taking vitamin D supplements. Hey, it couldn't hurt to ask the doctor for a test, right? :)
From: Mark_in_MO [#14]
2 Dec 2009
To: ALL