Hand numbness

After sitting on the couch for the last 35 years, 1 1/2 years ago I decided I better do something or my couch would be my coffin. So, I checked with my doctor, started a diet and exercise program (walking and the elliptical trainer 6 days a week)and have lost 50 pounds...from 205 to 155. I am also a diabetic (pills only with diet). My husband is a competitive cyclist and lives to ride. So, I decided about 4 months ago that I was fit enough now to try a bike. I am like the tortoise...slow but steady. I am finding out all types of new places for my body to hurt ( I still can't believe I don't wear underwear when I ride in public). My problem has been numbness in the outer aspect of my left hand after riding. In the beginning, it went away when I would stop riding, but after riding 31 miles on Saturday and 25 on Sunday, the area is still slightly numb. Has anyone experienced this and know what i can do to prevent it in the future. Thanks for any advice you can give a newbie.

Good road,
Terry

Do you wear gloves? I have gel gloves that help with that. The numbness can also be caused when too much of your weight is placed on your hands due to positioning. You may need to adjust your stem -- the guy at the LBS raised mine a bit to help alleviate the arm/hand numbness. It worked, but of course, I have a new problem now -- I rode 46 miles on Sunday & my neck is still stiff! :( Another reason I've experienced hand numbness before is gripping my handlebars too tightly. I'm new at this and sometimes I hold on for dear life. :D