1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Severe leg cramping

Posted by Helena341 @helena341, Oct 2, 2011

I joined this discussion group because I have diabetes and suffer from severe leg cramping especially at night but not exclusively as they also occur if I'm wearing higher heeled shoes. Does anyone here have cramping in their legs so severe that you need to get up during the night because pain disturbs your sleep? This happens to me often and trying to find answers. Doctors have not as yet determined the cause. Thanks for any help you may have.

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ljk200 | @ljk200 | Jan 5 11:41am
In reply to @newbielada "This has been a major problem for me over many years, but worse recently when I..." + (show)
@newbielada

This has been a major problem for me over many years, but worse recently when I was taking Metformin. Odd. I also live in the SW, it’s low humidity and hard to manage hydration and electrolyte balance. There are many things I’ve tried, and it’s constant “tweaking” for me.
Right now the lifesaver is “Saltstick electrolyte fast chews,” I found them at REI. I take one @ bedtime with a small glass of water, magnesium, D3, and folic acid. And bedtime calf/foot stretching!! Can you sleep with warm socks that go to your knees? I do! Other thoughts: RLS (tingling) can be relieved by iron supplements. When possible, the spoon of pickle juice has helped stop them for me, as well as a cup of milk. Bananas don’t help me?! We’re all different—this is a toughie—considering the disease. Good luck & yes, ask your Medical Practitioner!

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Thanks for the info. I have not heard of "saltstick electrolyte fast chews" but I will check it out. But I may pass on the pickle juice for now.
Best Regards.

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nollig | @nollig | Jan 6 1:59am
In reply to @ljk200 "Hi - Has anyone in the group found a successful treatment for severe leg cramping? My..." + (show)
@ljk200

Hi - Has anyone in the group found a successful treatment for severe leg cramping? My leg cramps (foot, calf and thigh) typically occur around bedtime, but I have also experienced periodic hand cramps during the day. These events seem unrelated to my blood glucose level or general glucose status during the day. I am a long-term Type 1 diabetic with peripheral neuropathy. I have been taking some mineral supplements (mag. and zinc) but have not noticed any effect.
I would be interested in the experience of others in dealing with this issue. Thanks.

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I have the same cramping and it can be very painful.I suffer from Hypothyroidism but I know I don’t drink enough water.( urine will be dark yellow)Also drink some Tonic Water before bed helps.Good luck.

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lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | Jan 7 8:24am

I also suffer from Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s and I was taking 100 mcg of Synthroid for it. I recently started taking half of a 115 mcg Synthroid due to too much medication in my system, which was causing the leg cramping and neuropathy. Also, I was beginning to feel jittery and my TSH was dropping too low. I still have some neuropathy, but it’s much better since going on less Synthroid. You might want to try drinking LMNT Electrolytes and make sure you’re drinking enough water. It is very important.

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lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | Jan 7 8:26am

Drink LMNT Electrolyte powder. You mix it with water and it helps with the leg cramping. I also wanted to ask if you suffer from a Thyroid condition. This, also can contribute to the cramping. I was also told that taking a calcium Tums can help with cramping.

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1 reply
ljk200 | @ljk200 | Jan 8 8:48am
In reply to @lkirnbauer "Drink LMNT Electrolyte powder. You mix it with water and it helps with the leg cramping...." + (show)
@lkirnbauer

Drink LMNT Electrolyte powder. You mix it with water and it helps with the leg cramping. I also wanted to ask if you suffer from a Thyroid condition. This, also can contribute to the cramping. I was also told that taking a calcium Tums can help with cramping.

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Thanks to all for the advice.

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tommy | @tbraibish | Jan 8 10:00am

Are you taking Metformin? There are many accounts you can read about regarding leg cramping/pain being associated with Metformin. If you sre taking Metformin then you might try coming off of it for a bit and see if the cramps/pain continues.

I am diabetic and was prescribed Metformin but developed neuropathy as a side effect of the Metformin affecting my B12 uptake. It quickly went away once I stopped taking Metformin.

Only a small percentage of people experience these types of side effects but if you are one of them then you might consider intermittent fasting, a ketogenic diet, and regular exercise. This can significantly help you manage your blood sugar levels. It is a different lifestyle and can be hard at times, but we need to choose which “hard” we are willing to deal with. Best of luck to you!

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Helena341 | @helena341 | Apr 17 7:31am

Leg cramps are horrific at times for me. My daughter told me I’m dehydrated, she constantly reminds me to drink water. We were in NY city walking and legs cramped so bad couldn’t walk. We stopped in drug store bought smart water. Drank 1/2 bottle and cramps went away! Thank God! My Electrolytes were low and smart water did the trick for me.

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thisfatoldlady | @thisfatoldlady | Apr 18 12:59pm

My husband and I both are diabetic. He has bad leg cramps (at night). I don't. He also only has one kidney (lost one due to cancer), so he is very mindful to push fluids, so dehydration probably doesn't apply - however, I might get him some electrolyte enhanced water and see if that helps! Thanks for the info.

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2 replies
lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | Apr 19 9:24am
In reply to @thisfatoldlady "My husband and I both are diabetic. He has bad leg cramps (at night). I don't...." + (show)
@thisfatoldlady

My husband and I both are diabetic. He has bad leg cramps (at night). I don't. He also only has one kidney (lost one due to cancer), so he is very mindful to push fluids, so dehydration probably doesn't apply - however, I might get him some electrolyte enhanced water and see if that helps! Thanks for the info.

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I also get severe cramping in my upper thighs and it sometimes goes around to my back! I have been using LMNT which are Electrolyte Packets you put into a bottle and add water too. There is a lot of sodium (1000 mg per packet), but there is also 200 mg of potassium and 60 mg of magnesium. Very good for hydration but be sure before taking and talk with your doctor about the high sodium level.

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Helena341 | @helena341 | Apr 19 1:57pm
In reply to @thisfatoldlady "My husband and I both are diabetic. He has bad leg cramps (at night). I don't...." + (show)
@thisfatoldlady

My husband and I both are diabetic. He has bad leg cramps (at night). I don't. He also only has one kidney (lost one due to cancer), so he is very mindful to push fluids, so dehydration probably doesn't apply - however, I might get him some electrolyte enhanced water and see if that helps! Thanks for the info.

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My doctor told me to drink plain water and I do but found smart water to act much faster. Must be some electrolyte I’m lacking. My potassium tends to go up because of BP med so I watch that and only use smart water when cramps are intense. I exercise on stationary bike to help. Hope this helps🙏🏻

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