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The Question
06/14/09 07:09 PM

"What is the percentage of people with long-term diabetes who are having leg cramps at night?"
Asked By: charliel  
Category: Neuropathy

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Expert Answers (1)

06/17/09 03:52 PM

Dear CharLiel; Leg cramping frequently occur in over fatigued and in dehydrated conditions and, YES, as signs/symptoms of the long-term complications experienced in diabetes. The % of those exhibiting these symptoms, only 10% of the population are Type 1 and of that % I would estimate 95% experience leg cramping due to the vascular complication from the long-term developments seen with this disease. Some activity suggestions for relief: Gentle massage the cramping muscle, for the Lower- leg: gentle calf stretch, (weight on one leg and bend the other knee slightly, hands on wall, gently lean forward, For the Upper- leg, 'Hamstring stretch': lie on your back with a towel around your foot, as you raise your leg, keep the towel slightly taught, and as you slowly raise the leg and making effort to keep the knee straightened, gently pull the foot toward yourself, if comfortable repeat as needed/tolerated. Heat can help with tightened muscles-(be careful if "temp sensations" are reduced), cold for sore or tender muscles(again for yourself " the sensations caution"), Fluid helps your muscles function normally. The pains in the legs are due to diminished circulation, frequently referred to as 'intermittent claudication', which maybe occurring upon excretion or delayed response to a busy day, when you begin the body rest period or night time. Recommended treatment options/plan: First and foremost-check with your (P)personal (C)care (P)physician or Endocrinologist, 2) assure adequate hydration, 3) back to the ABC-basics: A1C<7, Blood pressure <130/85, C-LDL cholesterol<100mg/dl, HDL>50mg/dl for women and only >40mg/dl for the guys, and if you smoke-you know the drill, and no alcohol. A Huge caution, check your feet daily. Unfortunately, redness, the 'insensate foot' can lead to very poor outcomes. Thanks for asking dLife, call on us as needed. Regards Sue
Answered By: Susan Throop
Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
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Community Answers (1)

06/22/09 02:40 PM

Makes no difference type 1 or 2 legs cramps are a bad side affect of diabetes. For years I have been telling my docs and complaining about it and until I read it online and talked to other diabetics that have it I thought I was a real rare case.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
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