Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Pain In Leg When Suffering From Diabetes?
I m a newly diagnosed diabetic. Recent labs showed elevated calcium and lactic acid levels. I have had episodes of leg pain walking up stairs. My doctor ordered additional test but did not indicate what they are looking for. Can you give me possible suggestions.
Wed, 10 Dec 2014
Hello there,
Thank you for the question.
It would have helped to know if you are on any medicines for diabetes or not. Leg pain in someone with diabetes can be because of various reasons:
1) Nerve damage due to high sugars (irrespective of sugar levels there maybe nerve damage)
2) Some electrolyte errors due to some medicines (antidiabetic or any other)
3) Arterial damage due to cholesterol deposition in the arteries of the legs can lead to pain on walking and relief on rest.
4) Vein damage maybe due to varicose veins (irrespective of diabetic status)
5) Vitamin deficiencies like Vit B12 or Vit D may lead to leg pains.
So there are various reasons and maybe yor treating doctor is trying to find the reason on these lines. They will also get you to check renal functions, Liver functions as your lactic acid being high is concerning. Do discuss this lactic acid elevation cause with your doctor especially if you are taking any medicine called Metformin.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Dr Shreya Kunder
Thank you for the question.
It would have helped to know if you are on any medicines for diabetes or not. Leg pain in someone with diabetes can be because of various reasons:
1) Nerve damage due to high sugars (irrespective of sugar levels there maybe nerve damage)
2) Some electrolyte errors due to some medicines (antidiabetic or any other)
3) Arterial damage due to cholesterol deposition in the arteries of the legs can lead to pain on walking and relief on rest.
4) Vein damage maybe due to varicose veins (irrespective of diabetic status)
5) Vitamin deficiencies like Vit B12 or Vit D may lead to leg pains.
So there are various reasons and maybe yor treating doctor is trying to find the reason on these lines. They will also get you to check renal functions, Liver functions as your lactic acid being high is concerning. Do discuss this lactic acid elevation cause with your doctor especially if you are taking any medicine called Metformin.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Dr Shreya Kunder
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....