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The Question
06/18/09 09:49 AM

" I am having big problems with leg cramps at night. Are there any meds that can help me. The pane is becoming unbearable"
Asked By: charliel  
Category: Neuropathy

Background Info Hide
I have had type 1 diabetes for the past 43 years. I have had some problems over the years with neuropathy in my legs and now in my hands. I also had laser treatments in both eyes and cataracts removed in both eyes. That surgery was a big success. Now I am having big problems with leg cramps at night. Is there anything that can help me with this. I have tried all the most common remedies with no help. I am getting desperate at this point.

Expert Answers (1)

06/21/09 01:39 PM

Dear Charliel; I'm glad to here of the improvements in your eyes and the success story. Unfortunately, the pains in the leg, cramps, burning, or other uncomfortable feelings, occurring mostly at night are described by ~ 50% of patients at some point in the progression of this disease. These flare-ups occurring most severe following a period of poor metabolic control. I liken it to 'instead of gentle waves of glucose' flowing through your system, the change that a occurs is a Tsunami. A huge wave of blood glucose that floods the nerves!!! This blip could be from a stressor, surgery, infection, injury or another event. The only remedy I could suggest would be to get back to the basics. Primary treatment is to get good glycemic control. Good control described as: A1C<6.5%(AADE), Before meals levels,<110mg/dl, 2hr. after meals,<140mg/dl, BP<130/80, LDL<100(<70 if cardiovascular disease is observed),HDL>40 for men,>50 for women, TG's<150mg/dl. Sorry to be such a stickler for numbers, but, you are aware of how insidious this disease can be. Some lifestyle changes that may also help: Physical activity, graded with supervision and MD OK, >150minuter/week. Medical nutrition therapy: Weight management, monitor carbohydrates, dietary cholesterol to <200mg/day, limit trans fats, servings of fish>2 per week, sodium to ~1500mg/day, practice protein modification for any kidney involvements. Some additional precautions, please examine the feet daily, you might be at risk for the 'insensate foot', and circulation to the feet might be in jeopardy. An exam with your Podiatrist (DPM), maybe indicated. Thanks for asking dLife, be your best in '09-10. Call on us as needed. Regards; Sue for you
Answered By: Susan Throop
Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
Sources Show

Community Answers (5)

09/24/09 09:55 AM

My mother has used Quinine for years for leg cramps. It used to be sold over the counter, but now you have to get a prescription for it. "Quinine is available with a prescription in the United States and over-the-counter, in very small quantities, in tonic water. Quinine is also used to treat lupus, nocturnal leg cramps and arthritis". Wikipedia.com
Answered By: loukyangel
FLAG
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07/07/09 02:30 PM

I am type 1 and used to have terrible leg cramps, so much so I was afraid to go to sleep. I read a Dr. column one day about putting soap bars in bed by your legs. Well, I thought how stupid. After my cousin said it worked, I tried it. IT WORKS!!! PLEASE PLEASE TRY IT! I was so relieved, I felt like shouting to the whole world. I now sleep with 2 soap bars, (white fragrant soap) by my legs, and down by my feet. It's unbelievable.
Answered By: myvet
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06/28/09 01:24 PM

I found a non-med help for leg cramps - Diet Tonic Water. At the on-set of the leg cramp - I take a drink of about 1/3 cup - and within a few minutes the cramp is gone. I have given this advice to several friends and even my doctor - they are amazed at the results. Maybe - if you have them nightly - have some before going to bed for the night.
Answered By: kpurdes
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06/21/09 09:17 PM

My blood work is perfect in fact the doc told me mine are better than most all of her non diabetic patients. My a1c was 5.9 and most of my readings have been great for many years. I have had femoral cramps for going on 10 yrs they rarely let up. I have been on cymbalta, lyrica and neurotin with mild relief. Bedtime is usually the hardest time, in fact I have woken up thinking someone is stabbing me with a knife. Other times I feel as if someone has an electric wire attacked to my leg the burning, tingling is so severe.
Answered By: furball64801
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06/21/09 09:16 PM

My blood work is perfect in fact the doc told me mine are better than most all of her non diabetic patients. My a1c was 5.9 and most of my readings have been great for many years. I have had femoral cramps for going on 10 yrs they rarely let up. I have been on cymbalta, lyrica and neurotin with mild relief. Bedtime is usually the hardest time, in fact I have woken up thinking someone is stabbing me with a knife. Other times I feel as if someone has an electric wire attacked to my leg the burning, tingling is so severe.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
SourcesShow



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