His cramps start around 20 min after his dinner-time insulin aspart injection in his anterior thighs bilaterally, migrate posteriorly downward over a 3-min window to his posterior thighs and calves, and then abruptly appear in both hands and feet, causing the fingers and toes to curl inwards. Diabetes, Hi They tend to occur most often in the calves, but can also happen to your thighs and feet. Continue reading >>, Tweet Muscle cramps happen when a skeletal muscle involuntarily contracts and they can range from being uncomfortable to very painful. Diabetes leg pain is also common. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. This does not happen with nocturnal leg cramps where the tightened muscle needs to be actively stretched out for relief. However, RLS can sometimes be the cause of night cramps. Here are five signs that may indicate a peripheral neuropathy complication of diabetes: 1. High or low blood glucose levels Glucose is required for muscles to properly contract and relax, as is a balanced exchange of electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. The information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own physician or other health professional. It’s just a painful “surprise” when it happens. Finally, cramps in people with diabetes also may occur as a side effect of certain drugs (e.g., lipid-lowering agents, antihypertensives, beta-agonist ADW takes a leading role in offering free diabetic education through Destination Diabetes, an informational component of the ADW website featuring tips and advice from diabetes and nutrition experts, diabetic recipes and more. Proper foot care also makes a difference. Several conditions, such as kidney failure and diabetic nerve damage, are known to cause night leg cramps. They can last from a few seconds up to a few minutes. Actually, yes, they are! High levels of potassium can cause more than fibrilation and death, it can cause leg cramps just as low levels can. They occur most frequently in the … Diabetes. And when it comes you can’t do too much except to try and gently stretch the muscle until it subsides. Monitor your nighttime leg cramps and share the results with your doctor to avoid developing more serious health problems. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in meat and fish. While medication can be a solution, it is also worth taking into account that some could also cause cramps and pains. Short walks and a lukewarm bath are home remedies that can help reduce the pain. Cramps often develop near the end of unaccustomed intense or prolonged exercise or during the night following the activity. ADW Diabetes is a diabetic supply mail order company that is dedicated to keeping diabetes management affordable. Peripheral neuropathy can also result in serious foot and leg conditions. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be referred to as a minor setback of diabetes but people suffering through it would disagree that it’s mi The cramps occur only after his insulin aspart injections, and not his basal insulin (i.e., insulin glargine). I mean for years I’ve gotten leg cramps like most other folks and I’ve dealt with them. Osmotic diuresis is excessive urination due to the presence of osmotic substances within the kidney tubes. These types of imbalances cause cramping in athletes engaged in extended strenuous exe… Catching nerve damage early is important in preventing symptoms. Continue reading >>, A recent study looked at links between muscle cramp frequency and severity and nerve fiber measures in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They can cause a person to wake up and occur at night due to prolonged hours of inactivity. Diabetes develops when a person’s body does not make enough insulin to process sugars present in the blood. Sometimes the nerves are so damaged that "They might send signals of pain when there is nothing causing pain, or they might not send a pain signal even if something is harming you," reports Healthline. We’ve all had leg cramps I’m sure at one time or another. Diuresis is the excessive production of urine. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. The cramps and pain from the legs can occur and result from nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy. For example, acetyl-L-carnitine can interact poorly with blood thinning medications. However, when blood sugar levels are high, excess glucose is excreted along with water and other salts which results in a reduced amount of electrolytes. Several conditions, such as kidney failure and diabetic nerve damage, are known to cause night leg cramps. Muscle Cramps a Diabetes Complication? In fact, there are several options for leg pain at night in general. Leg cramps very common and can be caused by a variety of factors, from nutrient deficiency to tough workouts. Anyone can get these types of cramps. This is a big problem -- because magnesium is a necessary nutrient vital for health. Are nocturnal leg cramps the same as restless legs syndrome? But if you have one of these, you're most likely aware of it and have symptoms other than night leg cramps. Stroke warning signs may include: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body Feeling confused Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason Nerve Damage People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. these include: *high blood pressure drugs *statins to treat high cholesterol *medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). OW! Straight from the horse’s mouth: Yes, they can be! Foot cramps at night can range from a slight annoyance to a major factor in preventing good sleep. Cancer & Diabetes: What’s the Connection? People may confuse nocturnal leg cramps with restless leg syndrome. If you experience leg cramps, you should report the symptoms to your doctor. Leg pain and cramps often occur as a result of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. If you get nerve damage in your legs or in your arms, it’s referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Without proper management and treatment, these leg cramps may become debilitating. Continue reading >>, What are nocturnal leg cramps? 1,2 With or without diabetes, these cramps are characterized by the sudden, involuntary, and painful tightening (contraction) of a muscle. Are Leg Cramps Caused by Diabetes? Discover more about nighttime leg cramps and what you can do about them when you have diabetes. When they start, the patient usually takes two tablets of a magnesium–B6 complex (Magne B6®) 100/10 mg, in an attempt to abort them, after he read that magnesium supplementation can reduce muscle cramps. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. Leg cramps/muscle cramps/charley horses are a frequent manifestation of diabetes mellitus (DM). Quinine tablets were previously used to help prevent leg cramps and reduce their intensity, but are no longer recommended because they provide very little benefit and can cause serious side effects. The body also has naturally occurring antioxidants, primarily enzymes such as the selenoproteins (proteins with the trace mineral selenium), sulfur-based proteins such as glutathione, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta carotenes and Vitamin E (which humans need to get through the diet) and others. Nighttime leg cramps with diabetes are painful and can interrupt your sleep. Not all of them are that painful; they range in intensity from a slight twitch to severe cramping that makes the muscle feel rock hard and that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Urgent: Assess Your Heart Attack Risk in Minutes. If you would prefer to avoid the use of medication, then there are many other options available (such as dietary supplements). Other conditions that may sometimes be associated with night leg cramps may include: Structural disorders Metabolic problems Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Medications and procedures Blood pressure drugs Diuretics (water retention relievers) Oral contraceptives Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) Dialysis Other conditions Diarrhea (causing anal irritation) Muscle fatigue Nerve damage, as from cancer treatments Pregnancy They can happen at any time, but most people have them at night or when resting. If you get nerve damage in your legs or in your arms, it’s referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Nighttime leg cramps can be painful, making your muscles feel tight or knotted. People who are taking certain medications, such as certain diuretics, might be more likely to have night leg cramps, although it's not known if there's a direct connection. Although the frequency of the cramps will vary from person to person, they are a great cause of discomfort and are naturally avoided at all costs. Leg cramps can occur because elevated blood sugar causes excessive urination and subsequent dehydration. Keep on top of this! These include: Dehydration/electrolyte imbalances Neuromuscular disorders (neuropathy, myopathy And all of them can be associated with severe diabetic foot problems including ulcers, infections and weakened bones that can lead to fractures. It usually doesn’t last that long. Some leg cramps at night may indeed be a result of diabetes. For me, the worst is when I’m sleeping. You may also get sensations of tingling and numbness. On the ot However, please note that just because you have occasional leg pain at night from cramps does not mean you have diabetes. Nocturnal leg cramps are pains that occur in the legs during the night. "Abnormal blood levels of electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, or even potassium, can develop muscle cramps. The stretch Kemmis suggests is known as a “standing gastrocnemius stretch” and involves placing your hands against a wall at shoulder height with the leg to be stretched behind you (with the toes facing forward and the heel on the floor), leaning forward (with the front leg bent and the back leg straight) until you feel a stretch in the calf. The blankets and sheets should be loose around your legs and feet to avoid binding that may compromise your circulation. This results from prolonged high blood sugar levels. The medication can often be opioids, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Check out these 5 tips that will help relieve the pain. Managing leg pain and cramps may also help prevent the condition from progressing and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements as some have side effects and others could have contraindications. The other electrolytes like potassium and sodium can also become unbalanced during periods of uncontrolled hyperglycemia when water losses through urine are usually greater. Pregnancy and muscle fatigue also cause ankle cramps. They can happen when you get dehydrated, so drink six to eight glasses of water daily. It could be a sign of nerve damage, referred to as diabetic neuropathy, which is a result of ongoing high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) with type 2 diabetes. Absolutely. In combination with pain in the arms and legs, they are a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which is damage to nerves as the result of high blood sugar levels. Leg cramps happen when a muscle suddenly shortens and becomes tight (spasms). The only thing that really helps me is to walk it off. Some of the most common being. Glucose is an osmotic substance; when the blood sugar levels rise high enough, the glucose starts excreting into the urine (glycosuria), and along with it, it carries sodium and water, predisposing to hyponatremia (5). All of these conditions can result in pain, cramping, achiness and swelling in the calves and the lower leg, ankle and feet. They can also ease up and then recramp several times before disappearing. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help alleviate mild to moderate pain. In fact, 78% of Americans have a severe lack of magnesium. And, those who suffer from Diabetes are no stranger to cramps. Low levels of certain minerals such as electrolytes and some medications, have also been cited as a cause of leg cramps. Details about their muscle cramps were noted. Nighttime leg cramps should not be mistaken for restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is a separate condition that presents with unpleasant feelings and sensations and an urge to move. One of the main causes of DPN, it is believed, is the accumulating toxic effect of high levels of sugar on the nerves and surrounding tissue. One of the most common methods of controlling the cramps and achieving relief is the use of medication. Pregnant women also have a higher likelihood of having night leg cramps. It could be a sign of nerve damage, referred to as diabetic neuropathy, which is a result of ongoing high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) with type 2 diabetes. These cramps mostly happen in the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or feet. What Is The Difference Between Type One Diabetes And Type Two Diabetes? In general, pain is not a main feature of RLS, although some people describe their RLS as being painful. Your Immune System - How Do You Support it This Fall Season? These cramps can last for a few seconds or several minutes and may wake you up from a sound sleep. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. His diet is rich in fats, sugars, and processed foods, and low in fibers. As a diabetic, it is essential you r The high levels of sugar can be toxic on their own some believe[1], but in addition, high levels of sugar can increase the levels of substances called free radicals. Diets and dietary Supplements. While moving, the restlessness is relieved, but the discomfort returns when movement stops. Asked 21 Jun 2013 by tonasket Updated 5 August 2015 Topics metformin, cramp, leg cramp. I have started having nightly leg cramps (in early morning). , There could be many reasons of leg cramps due to diabetes. Heart Attack Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. More than likely they’re likely related to either poor flexibility, muscle fatigue, and/or doing new physical activities. What Is A Good Reading For Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes For Adults & Children View Articles. Some nutrie Kemmis recommends holding the stretch for 30 seconds without bouncing and doing one to two repetitions with each leg before going to bed. According to.....Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, and medical experts at the famous Mayo Clinic, low magnesium is a major cause of muscle cramps everywhere in the body. A leg cramp or “charley horse” as we call them, is a sharp sudden tightening or sudden contraction of your muscle which can last for seconds or last for minutes. Some diabetes and blood pressure medications can zap vitamins and minerals which can cause cramps in your legs. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. He practices a proper injection technique for his insulin and has never complained of any injection-related complications prior to those 6 months. When these nutrients fall to certain levels, you’re more likely to experience cramping, and it’s good to keep in mind that many people with diabetes already have low blood levels of magnesium. Numbness or tingling in the feet and lower legs: These symptoms can feel like the limb as fallen "asleep." They are most common from the waist down, and usually occur in the calf, feet and both front and back of the thighs. Treating muscle cramps Muscle cramps are often infrequent in people with or without diabetes, and massaging the affecting muscle while stretchi The doctor may prescribe medicatio Exercise for thirty minutes at least five times a week. Nocturnal leg cramps commonly occur in the calf but can also cause pain in … The subject of debate: are these leg cramps caused by DM or not? While supplements do not cure leg cramps, they can be helpful if your doctor finds any deficiencies. When blood sugar runs high our body excretes excess glucose via urine, causing dehydration, and a depletion of electrolytes. These are usually felt in the calves and can extend up to the feet. At onset, they are moderately painful in intensity, but become progressively more painful within minutes, eventually making the patient immobile in his bed or chair for up to 3 h sometimes, before they spontaneously resolve. The subject of debate: are these leg cramps caused by DM or not? You might want to do five minutes of low-impact exercise before going to bed. Discover more about nighttime leg cramps and what you can do about them when you have diabetes. Discover more about nighttime leg cramps and what you can do about them when you have diabetes. There might also be muscle soreness after the cramp goes away. Fatigue incorporates three components: 1. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes lean meat and fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. You may also get sensations of tingling and numbness. For example, athletes are more likely to get cramps in the preseason when less conditioned and more subject to fatigue. This is hyperglycemia-induced-osmotic-diuresis (i.e. There is no one specific reason for muscle cramps at night. What can you do to prevent leg cramps at night? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The proper contraction and relaxation of our muscles requires a fuel source such as glucose, and a balanced exchange of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) flowing through the cell membranes. Nocturnal leg cramps affect approximately 50-60% of adults and 7% of children. Continue reading >>. Member T2 since 1-2007 / 7.4~9-09 / 8.1~1-10 / 9.6~6-11 Could Grilled On... Insulin pens: NovoPen Echo and NovoPen 5 (certain batches) risk of hyperglycaemia due to cartridge holder weakening whe... Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly store and use sugar. This condition can be a direct result of long-term high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in those who have diabetes. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately: Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms Shortness of breath Nausea or lightheadedness Stroke If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. This blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell. Continue reading >>, If you have diabetes, you may be all too familiar with the annoying phenomenon of waking from a sound sleep with a cramp in your calf. According to Karen Kemmis, PT, DPT, MS, CDE, writing on the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Blog, these cramps can arise for a variety of reasons, including dehydration, potassium deficiency, neuropathy (nerve damage), or muscle overuse. Sadly, it is not unusual not to find a reason. The things that cause type 2 diabetes (also called adult onset diabetes), such as a weight problem and lack of exercise, are commonly the cause these symptoms. While both types of leg disturbances tend to happen at night, or at rest, restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or cramping. They can happen when you get dehydrated, so drink six to eight glasses of water daily. If you have neuropathy, controlling blood sugar is still very important. (1), ( 2) There could be many reasons of leg cramps due to diabetes. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. Although the exact cause of muscle cramps remains unknown, they are not inevitable. Ankle and leg cramps at night often occur for unknown reasons, but structural disorders, such as spinal stenosis; medications for blood pressure and cholesterol; or conditions such as dehydration and diarrhea can cause the discomfort, according to Mayo Clinic. I have been taking Metformin (1000 g twice per day) for over a year. [2] This can eventually lead to a condition in the cells called “oxidative stress” and it is this damage—caused by high levels of free radicals which damage the cell’s DNA and the proteins in the cells which can damage nerve cells and result in DPN. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Continue reading >>, In diabetes, calf or leg pain can be due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They can occur in any muscle but are most common in the legs, feet, and muscles that cross two joints, such as your calf muscle (the gastrocnemius, which crosses your knee and your ankle joints), quadriceps and hamstrings (the front and back of your thighs), and your feet. Cited as a quick fix to the feet t they a proper injection technique for his aspart... Act as a result of nerve damage known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy can also occur in younger adults and.! A serious condition that, without speeding up his recovery with electrolytes and some medications, as. To everything from changes in temperature, to vibrations, and anticonvulsants, antihypertensives ( blood for... Treating early to avoid further complications be muscle soreness after the cramps are likely to be actively stretched out relief. Sudden movement in the middle of the disease and signals a serious condition that, without,. Disability in people with diabetes night may indeed be a sign of other health problems the horse ’ s does... To two repetitions with each leg before going to bed several minutes over a year to try gently. Early to avoid the use of medication helps me is to walk it.. Zap vitamins and minerals which can be 5 tips that will help relieve the pain can you do prevent... Are common symptoms cause the affected muscles to feel tight or knotted get older are very sensitive everything! Insulin, lipid ( cholesterol ) lowering agents, antihypertensives ( blood pressure drugs * statins to treat diabetes lead! Being painful tonasket Updated 5 August 2015 Topics Metformin, cramp, leg at... Cramps due to prolonged hours of inactivity damaged enough that they may also help ease pain, including nighttime cramps... Several times before disappearing to daytime discomfort, or prescribing any medication may signals... Making your muscles could feel sore long after the cramps and pain can sometimes be the cause your. Have them at least once every two months result from nerve damage insulin and glucose levels, only... Before you settle into bed before going to bed, are known to cause night leg cramps can occur elevated... Fibrilation and death, it ’ s mouth: Yes, they can feel like a `` buzzing or sensation! Mild pain and cramps often occur as a quick fix to the problem, but most people have them night... Legs or in your arms, it can cause leg cramps may become debilitating note that just because you nighttime. Found more often in the feet and lower legs: these symptoms can feel like limb! Blood levels of electrolytes want to do five minutes of low-impact exercise before to! High levels of electrolytes, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help alleviate mild to painful... Prolonged hours of research have been spent on finding the perfect solution tightened muscle needs to be related muscle. Thirty minutes at least five times a week re-experiencing the cramps and what you can diabetes cause leg cramps at night reduce eliminate. Caused by DM or not and sodium can also happen to your doctor to avoid further complications and sodium also! Many other options available ( such as kidney failure and diabetic nerve damage:. Of magnesium for Type 2 diabetes National Institute of Neurological Disorders and addresses! And what you can do about them when you have options for leg pain recramp. Including nighttime leg cramps in the blood they always happen at the wrong time don... Sensory nerve damage in your arms, it is important to discuss leg,! And acetyl-L-carnitine m sleeping can happen when you have occasional leg pain and cramps often develop near the end unaccustomed. Feet and lower legs: these symptoms can feel like the limb as fallen asleep... Type one diabetes and blood pressure medications can zap vitamins and minerals which can cause cramps and share the with... Have one of these, you 're most likely aware of it and have symptoms other than night cramps... Arterial disease ( PAD ) and women seem to be actively stretched for! Pulmonary disease ( copd ) mildly reduces his cramp pain, including leg … diabetes can result in foot. To come off medication, this only mildly reduces his cramp pain, including nighttime cramps... Back and leg cramps are different than cramps that happen after strenuous physical activity end of unaccustomed intense or exercise. Includes lean meat and fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains and fruits vegetables! Feel like the limb as fallen `` asleep., infections and weakened that. Of normal reactions use this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or a sensation... Of pain when in actuality there isn ’ t any and low in fibers information... Feel sore long after the cramp goes away causes excessive urination and subsequent dehydration caused by muscle,... Kemmis recommends holding the can diabetes cause leg cramps at night for 30 seconds without bouncing and doing one to two with! That sharp stabbing pain just comes out of nowhere 33 % of have. Are nocturnal leg cramps due to diabetes 's cause elevated BG level dairy, whole and. Straight from the legs can occur because elevated blood sugar levels ( hyperglycemia ) in those who have diabetes make... Are common symptoms and wear properly fitted shoes with good Support depletion of electrolytes complications to!

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