Is surgery the best way to treat carpul tunnel as a type 1 diabetic?

"Best" is what works: The "best" treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is the most conservative treatment that works. Usually we start with a splint, anti-inflammatory medications, ice, physical therapy, injections, and then consider surgery. If all these have been tried to their fullest extent without any benefit, then surgery may be the next (and last) option.

Not necessarily: Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is an option if non-surgical methods fail to relieve the symptoms. No surgical options include: night time wrist braces, corticosteroid injection, activity modification, weight reduction and making sure metabolic factors such as thyroid hormone are in balance.

Yes: With iddm/type 1 dm, carpal tunnel syndrome has a terrible tough time getting better without surgery.