There is much confusion with regards to diabetes and quinine, whether in the form of Quinine Sulphate (prescribed in the past for diabetic leg cramps), or tonic water, which contains small amounts of quinine. Originally discovered in cinchina tree bark, Europeans in the 17^th century first used quinine to treat fevers caused by malaria. It has since been used to treat lupus and arthritis, and most commonly leg cramps, a frequent problem for people with diabetes. Quinine sulfate was often prescribed for leg cramps as an “off-label” treatment; that is, not officially approved for that purpose. However, it has been found that larger doses can pose serious health risks, and some people are sensitive to even the smaller amounts in tonic water. Because of these dangers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against its use [http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm218202.htm].

Diabetes, Quinine Sulfate, and Side Effects

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