You may wonder what the relationship is between cramps and diabetes. The answer is really quite simple. One of the symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination. Potassium is lost during urination, and therefore can often be low in diabetics. These low potassium levels then cause muscles to cramp.
Diabetes Leg Cramps
Eating a banana everyday should prevent most diabetes cramps. If this spikes your blood sugar then try to eat half of it at a time. Other fruits rich in potassium will help diabetes and leg cramps as well. Exercising daily will be helpful in diabetes and cramps. This helps to keep your body in the best condition possible. Excess sweat can contribute to your potassium loss as well however.
Diabetes Calf Cramps
Another reason for diabetic leg cramps and calf cramps is diabetic neuropathy. This is nerve damage that is caused by high blood sugar levels. Low sodium levels, magnesium levels, and potassium are also linked to cramps and diabetes problems. Ask your doctor to help your narrow down what is causing your leg and calf cramps. Once the cause is identified, it will be easy to determine the best treatment options.
Diabetes and Muscle Cramps
If you are experiencing leg cramps and diabetes muscle cramps, try to massage around the area gently to work blood flow back in the affected area. If the pain doesn’t stop, try to take in deep breaths and relax your entire body. This causes your brain to signal your muscles to relax. If these cramps occur often despite all of your efforts, it may be wise to ask your doctor about muscle relaxers.
Diabetes Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps and diabetes could be a warning sign of several conditions such as an aortic aneurysm, a peptic ulcer, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Unrelenting stomach pain requires a doctor’s visit or emergency room treatment, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or persistently low or high blood sugar, according to eHow.com. Gastroparesis is another disorder linked to cramps and diabetes stomach pain. This is a condition in which the gastric system delays emptying out. Foods high in fiber and high in fiber often are poorly tolerated by the system and delay in exiting the gastrointestinal tract. This often results in extreme abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating.
