Leg Cramps

Question:

I was diagnosed yesterday after visiting my doctor a few weeks ago. Very thirsty, mucho trips to the toilet, and a family history, so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise. BG was 18.2 in the blood test, and has fluctuated between 16.3 and 12.4 since I started testing myself. I’m seeing the dietician tomorrow, and they will monitor me over the next three months before they decide if medication is required. I presume this is the standard regime. One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination? TIA Chris Quinn

Response:

You’re certainly not alone with that one. Its something I had forgotten about. This happened to me a couple of times before diagnosis and I had forgotten about it after all of the other things I had to think about. It has stopped since I got my bloods under control and my weight down . As I recall it was also in the leg where I have necrobiosis. Do you happen to have something like a rash or patches on the skin over your shinbone on either leg? (Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum – Its not dangerous) The other thing that occurs to me is sleep apnoea – where you stop breathing during the night. If you snore, you may have periods where you stop breathing and this may cause problems with not enough oxygen getting to the leg muscles. Again that has got easier for me as my weight has come down. Any idea if you have apnoea? Your bloods are very similar to mine at the point of diagnosis (dx). I was put onto Metformin straight away. An more aggressive approach but it varies between places and medics. What is best depends on you. The threat of meds helps some people to get themselves sorted out. For some, once they have the meds, they get to thinking that the meds take care of it and they do not have to bother doing anything. Anyway, I am sure you will have a few questions as time goes on. Welcome – sorry to had to join us. VBH Dx(Oct-03) : A1c 10.2 : 102Kg Latest : A1c: 6.1 : 85Kg : Met 3×500

Response:

Thanks for the quick reply – as far as I’m aware I don’t have apnoea or necrobiosis – my legs are fine apart from the cramps. I also don’t seem to have muscle wastage – my thoughts were that as I have consciously reduced the amount of salt I use in food, and I am flushing my system out due to the diuresis, I might be suffering from low sodium levels, which is a known cause of cramps. Should I reach for the salt cellar again, or start taking ORT powders (Oral Rehydration Therapy – the sort of stuff you give to babies with the trots)? DX 15/3/04 T2 – Just diet for now (and hopefully for the foreseeable future)!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the quick reply – as far as I’m aware I don’t have apnoea or necrobiosis – my legs are fine apart from the cramps. I also don’t seem to have muscle wastage – my thoughts were that as I have consciously reduced the amount of salt I use in food, and I am flushing my system out due to the diuresis, I might be suffering from low sodium levels, which is a known cause of cramps. Should I reach for the salt cellar again, or start taking ORT powders (Oral Rehydration Therapy – the sort of stuff you give to babies with the trots)? DX 15/3/04 T2 – Just diet for now (and hopefully for the foreseeable future)!

Hi Chris i used to suffer from cramp like that a lot. Sometimes it was so bad it would effect my walking sometimes for days. Since being diagnosed and getting treatment though I think I have only sufferd once in four years. I guess you should see a big change. One of the plusses! Terry

Response:

Chris, I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, before my diagnosis (and for a few days after) I suffered from leg cramps. I was told that this was ‘quite common’ by my diabetic nurse. I have found that since I have got my blood sugar levels under control it has completely gone away. Have a look at this site for starters, people here pointed me towards it and I found it very useful: http://jennifer.flyingrat.net All the best, Steve.

Response:

Should I reach for the salt cellar again, or start taking ORT powders (Oral Rehydration Therapy – the sort of stuff you give to babies with the trots)? DX 15/3/04 T2 – Just diet for now (and hopefully for the foreseeable future)!

Chris, I certainly had leg cramps at night before my T2 was diagnosed and treated – can’t remember the last time I had cramps now. One of the things my doctor suggested was quinine so you might want to try a diet tonic water or bitter lemon drink defore you go to bed. NK

Response:

Hi Chris. Did they tell you your HbA1c? The diabetes may exacerbate the cramps, but I don’t think it’s a cause. I’ve had them for years, but they have reduced in frequency since my control improved. However, I notice the same question recurring on my other medical list, which has nothing to do with diabetes. The only common factor is that none of those getting cramps appear to be younger than forty. One tip – I found that wearing bed-sox helped in cold weather. On gaining control. To find out how to test yourself appropriately, and what to do with the information you get from the tests, go to http://jennifer.flyingrat.net/ and read Jennifer’s advice there. Read it twice. In my opinion, that was the single most important thing I read after diagnosis. Start with the diet the dietician suggests, but test it against Jennifer’s recommendations and adjust. If in any doubt, go back to the dietician with your test results. Or come here to compare notes. To help get those high numbers down, and until you know what they do to you, I’d drop all the white starches immediately – bread, rice, potatoes, sweet corn or corn products etc. And minimise fruit and all their juices. You may be able to add them back in once you gain some control. You will learn that you need to forget all your preconceptions about eating. There is no law that you must eat only three meals a day, or that you must eat toast and cereal for breakfast. Ham and egg are fine for me. I must admit that I’m surprised at your medics’ caution in delaying treatment with numbers like yours. Hopefully, the dietary changes and testing will get them down quickly, but if it doesn’t improve I certainly wouldn’t wait three months before asking them for a re-assessment. Enough for now before I put you into information overload. Just remember to read Jennifer. And good luck. PS – with numbers like that, you may get the shakes or feel woozy as you start to get them down. That’s usually a sign that your BGs are at the other extreme. Carry some sweets (jelly beans or similar) in your pocket with you for emergency use if that occurs, or try to get a fruit juice or sugared soft drink. Pull over immediately if you get the shakes while driving. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. dx May 2002 , A1C 8.2=5.9, wt 117kg=90kg, No diabetes meds.Diet and not enough exercise. I have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience. Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be an expensive teacher. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed yesterday after visiting my doctor a few weeks ago. Very thirsty, mucho trips to the toilet, and a family history, so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise. BG was 18.2 in the blood test, and has fluctuated between 16.3 and 12.4 since I started testing myself. I’m seeing the dietician tomorrow, and they will monitor me over the next three months before they decide if medication is required. I presume this is the standard regime. One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination? TIA Chris Quinn You’re certainly not alone with that one. Its something I had forgotten about. This happened to me a couple of times before diagnosis and I had forgotten about it after all of the other things I had to think about. It has stopped since I got my bloods under control and my weight down . As I recall it was also in the leg where I have necrobiosis. Do you happen to have something like a rash or patches on the skin over your shinbone on either leg? (Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum – Its not dangerous) The other thing that occurs to me is sleep apnoea – where you stop breathing during the night. If you snore, you may have periods where you stop breathing and this may cause problems with not enough oxygen getting to the leg muscles. Again that has got easier for me as my weight has come down. Any idea if you have apnoea? Your bloods are very similar to mine at the point of diagnosis (dx). I was put onto Metformin straight away. An more aggressive approach but it varies between places and medics. What is best depends on you. The threat of meds helps some people to get themselves sorted out. For some, once they have the meds, they get to thinking that the meds take care of it and they do not have to bother doing anything. Anyway, I am sure you will have a few questions as time goes on. Welcome – sorry to had to join us. VBH Dx(Oct-03) : A1c 10.2 : 102Kg Latest : A1c: 6.1 : 85Kg : Met 3×500 Thanks for the quick reply – as far as I’m aware I don’t have apnoea or necrobiosis – my legs are fine apart from the cramps. I also don’t seem to have muscle wastage – my thoughts were that as I have consciously reduced the amount of salt I use in food, and I am flushing my system out due to the diuresis, I might be suffering from low sodium levels, which is a known cause of cramps.

Chris, the calf cramps were the very first symptom I ever had and after getting my ssugars back where hey belong, I’ve not been trubled by them UNTIL I cut back on the salt. My doc prescribed Quinine Sulphate, but I prefer a sprinkle if salt again. The salt isn’t used in quantity, just one quick sprinkle on my main meal and the cramps were gone again. I think the salt is a better option than the Quinine. Should I reach for the salt cellar again, or start taking ORT powders (Oral Rehydration Therapy – the sort of stuff you give to babies with the trots)?

I’m not saying YOU should, but I’d go with a TINY bit of salt. My gran always used to say that if you’re short of salt, your body will tell you by making it taste good, and vice versa. I think she had a point too because sometimes I can’t bear the thought of salt on a meal and at other times I want to leather the stuff on (I resist though). Just a "lick" as she’d say. Beav

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed yesterday after visiting my doctor a few weeks ago. Very thirsty, mucho trips to the toilet, and a family history, so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise. BG was 18.2 in the blood test, and has fluctuated between 16.3 and 12.4 since I started testing myself. I’m seeing the dietician tomorrow, and they will monitor me over the next three months before they decide if medication is required. I presume this is the standard regime. One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination? TIA Chris Quinn Hi Chris. Did they tell you your HbA1c? The diabetes may exacerbate the cramps, but I don’t think it’s a cause. I’ve had them for years, but they have reduced in frequency since my control improved. However, I notice the same question recurring on my other medical list, which has nothing to do with diabetes. The only common factor is that none of those getting cramps appear to be younger than forty. One tip – I found that wearing bed-sox helped in cold weather. On gaining control. To find out how to test yourself appropriately, and what to do with the information you get from the tests, go to http://jennifer.flyingrat.net/ and read Jennifer’s advice there. Read it twice. In my opinion, that was the single most important thing I read after diagnosis. Start with the diet the dietician suggests, but test it against Jennifer’s recommendations and adjust. If in any doubt, go back to the dietician with your test results. Or come here to compare notes. To help get those high numbers down, and until you know what they do to you, I’d drop all the white starches immediately – bread, rice, potatoes, sweet corn or corn products etc. And minimise fruit and all their juices. You may be able to add them back in once you gain some control. You will learn that you need to forget all your preconceptions about eating. There is no law that you must eat only three meals a day, or that you must eat toast and cereal for breakfast. Ham and egg are fine for me. I must admit that I’m surprised at your medics’ caution in delaying treatment with numbers like yours. Hopefully, the dietary changes and testing will get them down quickly, but if it doesn’t improve I certainly wouldn’t wait three months before asking them for a re-assessment. Enough for now before I put you into information overload. Just remember to read Jennifer. And good luck. PS – with numbers like that, you may get the shakes or feel woozy as you start to get them down. That’s usually a sign that your BGs are at the other extreme. Carry some sweets (jelly beans or similar) in your pocket with you for emergency use if that occurs, or try to get a fruit juice or sugared soft drink. Pull over immediately if you get the shakes while driving. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. dx May 2002 , A1C 8.2=5.9, wt 117kg=90kg, No diabetes meds.Diet and not enough exercise. I have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience. Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be an expensive teacher.

Hellfire. I get cramps too. And backache, and shoulder ache, and no sex. Mind you I look youong. Donnie " There’s More To Diabetes Than Meets The Eye" Falcone PS I have Glaucoma too

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed yesterday after visiting my doctor a few weeks ago. Very thirsty, mucho trips to the toilet, and a family history, so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise. BG was 18.2 in the blood test, and has fluctuated between 16.3 and 12.4 since I started testing myself. I’m seeing the dietician tomorrow, and they will monitor me over the next three months before they decide if medication is required. I presume this is the standard regime. One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination? TIA Chris Quinn Hi Chris. Did they tell you your HbA1c? The diabetes may exacerbate the cramps, but I don’t think it’s a cause. I’ve had them for years, but they have reduced in frequency since my control improved. However, I notice the same question recurring on my other medical list, which has nothing to do with diabetes. The only common factor is that none of those getting cramps appear to be younger than forty. One tip – I found that wearing bed-sox helped in cold weather. On gaining control. To find out how to test yourself appropriately, and what to do with the information you get from the tests, go to http://jennifer.flyingrat.net/ and read Jennifer’s advice there. Read it twice. In my opinion, that was the single most important thing I read after diagnosis. Start with the diet the dietician suggests, but test it against Jennifer’s recommendations and adjust. If in any doubt, go back to the dietician with your test results. Or come here to compare notes. To help get those high numbers down, and until you know what they do to you, I’d drop all the white starches immediately – bread, rice, potatoes, sweet corn or corn products etc. And minimise fruit and all their juices. You may be able to add them back in once you gain some control. You will learn that you need to forget all your preconceptions about eating. There is no law that you must eat only three meals a day, or that you must eat toast and cereal for breakfast. Ham and egg are fine for me. I must admit that I’m surprised at your medics’ caution in delaying treatment with numbers like yours. Hopefully, the dietary changes and testing will get them down quickly, but if it doesn’t improve I certainly wouldn’t wait three months before asking them for a re-assessment. Enough for now before I put you into information overload. Just remember to read Jennifer. And good luck. PS – with numbers like that, you may get the shakes or feel woozy as you start to get them down. That’s usually a sign that your BGs are at the other extreme. Carry some sweets (jelly beans or similar) in your pocket with you for emergency use if that occurs, or try to get a fruit juice or sugared soft drink. Pull over immediately if you get the shakes while driving. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. dx May 2002 , A1C 8.2=5.9, wt 117kg=90kg, No diabetes meds.Diet and not enough exercise. I have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience. Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be an expensive teacher. Hellfire. I get cramps too. And backache, and shoulder ache, and no sex. Mind you I look youong. Donnie " There’s More To Diabetes Than Meets The Eye" Falcone PS I have Glaucoma too

I’ve been suffering from no sex for a while as well – nothing to do with Diabetes though – wish I had that excuse – maybe I’ve turned ugly since my divorce! Thanks to every one for all the advice – nice to know there are some good folks out there! Chris

Response:

[snip] One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination?

I used to get these (in my calf muscles), but the incidence and disappearance of the cramps didn’t seem to have any correlation with blood glucose control. The doctor told me it had nothing to do with my diabetes, and anecdotal evidence from other diabetics seems to support that. Now something a bit more useful to you – my doctor prescribed me quinine sulphate for these cramps. I had to take the pills a while before going to bed, and then walk around for a bit afterwards, apparently to distribute the quinine around my legs! Despite my scepticism this worked wonderfully; the symptoms improved and then disappeared altogether after a few weeks. I don’t take the quinine any more but if the cramps come back, I will be marching down to my GP and demanding some! Karen/Fox

Response:

The diabetes may exacerbate the cramps, but I don’t think it’s a cause. I’ve had them for years, but they have reduced in frequency since my control improved. However, I notice the same question recurring on my other medical list, which has nothing to do with diabetes. The only common factor is that none of those getting cramps appear to be younger than forty. One tip – I found that wearing bed-sox helped in cold weather. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. dx May 2002 , A1C 8.2=5.9, wt 117kg=90kg,

Just a quick point. I’ve just turned 33. I’ve had these cramps as Chris described but only before dx, not since. VBH Dx(Oct-03) : A1c 10.2 : 102Kg Latest : A1c: 6.1 : 85Kg : Met 3×500

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] One of the other things that has been happening recently is many incidences of cramp in my calf muscles during the night, causing me to leap from the bed screaming in pain. Is this a known symptom of diabetes, or could it be due to electrolyte flushing caused by drinking too much water followed by constant urination? I used to get these (in my calf muscles), but the incidence and disappearance of the cramps didn’t seem to have any correlation with blood glucose control. The doctor told me it had nothing to do with my diabetes, and anecdotal evidence from other diabetics seems to support that. Now something a bit more useful to you – my doctor prescribed me quinine sulphate for these cramps. I had to take the pills a while before going to bed, and then walk around for a bit afterwards, apparently to distribute the quinine around my legs! Despite my scepticism this worked wonderfully; the symptoms improved and then disappeared altogether after a few weeks. I don’t take the quinine any more but if the cramps come back, I will be marching down to my GP and demanding some! Karen/Fox

I use Quinine Bisulphate; not sure if it’s the same thing. Read your enclosed leaflet and re-check with the doc, there can be some pretty nasty side-effects. I take one when the cramps hit, usually effective within a few minutes. I try to limit them by trying to "walk the cramp off" first. Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

My dietician suggested drinking a glass of sugar free tonic water or bitter lemon before bed – they both contain quinine. Only problem is that I can’t stand the taste of either. Then I found that ASDA (large supermarket chain in the UK) do sugar free tonic with lemon or lime flavouring added – it hides the bitter taste a little so I can manage a glassful. I’ll persevere with it and see if it has any effect. Maybe I should try adding some Vodka as well! Chris Q

Response:

I’ve been suffering from no sex for a while as well – nothing to do with Diabetes though – wish I had that excuse – maybe I’ve turned ugly since my divorce!

Send a photo and short biography to Jackie to put on the groups website then we can decide if you’re ugly or not. — Emma – The Chocolate Monster The Alternative Gallery – http://altgallery.shows.it ChocMonsters Ebay clearout has started!- http://tinyurl.com/3xkrz

Response:

CUT ONLY FOR BREVITY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mind you I look youong. Donnie " There’s More To Diabetes Than Meets The Eye" Falcone PS I have Glaucoma too I’ve been suffering from no sex for a while as well – nothing to do with Diabetes though – wish I had that excuse – maybe I’ve turned ugly since my divorce! Thanks to every one for all the advice – nice to know there are some good folks out there! Chris

There are lots of good folks out there, they just don’t get the publicity the scum do. I post on alt.tv.Frasier, Diabetes and Menopause. (For my wife) and they can all be recommended.

Response:

What’s that drink where the rim of the glass is frosted with salt? I dunno coz I’m not a driner, (I call ‘em "Crampaway":-) Have one of them without the drink:-) Beav

Response:

What’s that drink where the rim of the glass is frosted with salt? I dunno coz I’m not a driner, (I call ‘em "Crampaway":-) That would be tequila…

That stuff gives you worms dun’t it? Beav

Glaucoma Disease

Information about Glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment

Leg Cramps

Question:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Response:

Related Posts

Write a comment