[Marie]

One more thing: I recently read a paper that scientists have found that diabetics (both type 1 and 2) loose vitamin B1 up to 19 times faster than non-diabetics.

We found out this year that many in my family have BeriBeri (thiamine or B1 deficiency) and we're now taking B1 shots.

The symptoms of BeriBeri are the same as the complications of diabetes. Benfotiamine is a synthetic B1 and is harder for the body to eliminate. It would seem that that's why it helps.

I am not a diabetic, but I've had idiopathic neuropathy for years. (We now know that it's from the B1 deficiency.) My neuropathy has improved ten-fold since I've started the shots. I do have some permanent nerve damage, but it's livable.

If I were in your shoes, I'd start my husband on Benfo right away. It can't hurt and has a good chance of helping. (I get mine from benfotiame.net) I've just started taking it myself.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

Marie...thank you for the heads up on the Benfo. One of the side effects of Actos is the rapid loss of B1...and that thiamine def. can lead to even more complications. He has discussed this with his doctor (a family practice md). But the doc isn't real agressive and neither is my husband. I keep trying to get him to an internist or someone whose practices specializes in diabetes care...but with my stubborn husband change has to be made in 'baby steps.' But I am going to check out the site you referenced...many thanks.

PaMom