What Causes Muscle Cramps In A Diabetic Patient?

Posted on Fri, 1 Aug 2014

Question: Hello doctor, my uncle is a high sugar patient for past 20+years. He did a full body check up and found that all his organs are fully functional. But he is suffering from severe cramps all over his body. He is not able to lie down and sleep. For past 3 days, he is sleeping in the sitting position. He is now admitted in a hospital nearby. They have the drips on. I don't know what's inside, but I doubt that won't help in reducing sugars. IS it true? They are injecting insulins and monitoring his sugars. The sugar levels are ranging from 130 to 180 now (Earlier it was 280+). But his condition of the cramps are getting worse. What can be done now?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Phanindra Dulipala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Strict control of sugar levels reduces cramps.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your query and understood your concerns.

Sir, first let me appreciate your concerns to your uncle. In long standing diabetes, the most probable reasons for the cramps are uncontrolled sugar levels or electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Once the sugar levels are controlled and dehydration is reduced by drips, with in a span of 5-6 days, The cramps gets reduced. So not to worry much and please wait for a while until sugar level are controlled and dehydration is reduced.

Hope this guides you. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you do not have any clarifications, you can please close the discussion and rate the answer. Thank you.
Wishing your uncle good health.
Dr Phanindra Dulipala.
Diabetologist.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad