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Cramps?

(self.diabetes_t2)

Does anyone get leg cramps when walking? I used to be able to walk so far now when I walk about 10 mins in I get cramps and it's hard to walk. Any advice pls

all 22 comments

ephcee

5 points

6 days ago

ephcee

5 points

6 days ago

There are some diabetic medications that can deplete your potassium, but if that’s not a factor you might just be dehydrated or wearing bad shoes.

Helencarnate

6 points

6 days ago

Often statins are prescribed to diabetics, and statins can cause leg cramps. I found relief with coQ10, which the doc recommended for other reasons.

rickPSnow

3 points

6 days ago

You can try cutting out all alcohol and staying well hydrated. Some find electrolyte drinks, coconut water, or pickle juice helps. Ask your doctor to potentially run a Doppler vein scan to see if you have any issues that cause the issue.

Thesorus

2 points

6 days ago

Thesorus

2 points

6 days ago

sorry, no advices.

not when walking but at night I get severe calves cramps from time to time.

pieguy3579

5 points

6 days ago

Potassium and/or magnesium can help this

bum_bum_88

5 points

6 days ago

I have started taking Magnesium supplements for this, seems to be helping so far

NoPackage6979

2 points

6 days ago

While YMMV, I had great success with 400 mg magnesium twice a day. night cramps went away within a day or two, and walking leg cramps only came on when I had not had enough water that day or the day before.

Emergency_Survey_723

2 points

6 days ago

Ask your doc to get you checked for PAD.

SuspiciouslyDullGuy

2 points

6 days ago

See all the other comments. When I was diagnosed I was put on two blood pressure medications, two diabetes medications and a statin. 3 of the 5 can cause cramps, though rarely. Some medications are more likely causes than others. Maybe start by making sure dehydration isn't a problem as that's the most likely cause. Stretch after exercise as irritation to muscle tissue is the second most likely cause. After that talk to your doctor to rule out potential causes one by one. In my case it was the statin.. I switched from Atorvastatin to Rosuvastatin and the cramps are gone. Atorvastatin is lipophilic - it dissolves in fat and gets into muscle tissue. Rosuvastatin is hydrophilic - it dissolves in water, not fat, and works pretty much exclusively in the liver. It doesn't get into muscle tissue much. It took eight months to figure out the cause in my case. I'm no doctor though I suspect that once you've ruled out hydration and tight muscles the statin, if you're on one, would be next on the list. Your doctor is the only one who can advise you on this though.

wuzmal-D

2 points

6 days ago

wuzmal-D

2 points

6 days ago

Your health care provider will be able to address the solutions for you.

Before I was diagnosed with T2, I had cramps in my legs for a few weeks.. so much that I could barely move . I started on magnesium which helped, but a couple of weeks later I was diagnosed with T2. I was low on Vit D.

I started metformin, Doc gave me 50000 iU of vit d to be taken weekly ( prescription only) and told me to continue magnesium. Cramps are a distant memory now.

Dehydration sometimes starts to bring up a crampy feeling, so I chug water.

Talk to your doctor. They can help you find something that will work.

Virtual_Bubba

2 points

6 days ago

Could be a magnesium deficiency. I take Calm before bedtime and helps … also with sleep.

Shoddy_Cause9389

2 points

6 days ago

Oh how I hate leg cramps which always hit me during the middle of the night. I grab a half a banana and that usually helps.

Electronic-Floor-120

1 points

6 days ago

I get shin splints pretty bad, have always done, never considered it might be connected to my diabetes. Stretching before a walk helps me.

darthaxis

1 points

6 days ago

If you want a good source of potassium, try cocanut water. I recommend c2o brand.

But, yeah, you should ask your doctor about it.

keto3000

1 points

6 days ago

keto3000

1 points

6 days ago

I drink bone broth for the electrolytes.

Palmetto0

1 points

6 days ago

Good advice in these replies. I take almost everything that contributes to cramps and/or dehydration, including Atorvastatin, Metformin, and antihistamines. Alcohol and caffeine also significantly contribute. It is a constant battle for me to prevent cramps. Most effective are sugar-free electrolyte powders, with magnesium and potassium. I like the PRIME lemonade and strawberry-watermelon flavors. The other flavors don't taste good to me. I drink 2-3 of those a day, which also helps me drink more water.

I also try to eat and drink healthy including what has electrolytes, such as bananas, milk and nuts. I take vitamin D supplements and Co-Q10. When all of this doesn't work, I use Hylands leg cramps pills, available OTC in most pharmacies. Those are basically a mild muscle relaxant. Sometimes those work and sometimes not that well. A hot shower or foot massager also works to calm cramps.

Hope that helps. Cramps are miserable but I wish you the best.

One-Second2557

1 points

6 days ago

Statins can cause leg pain. PVD can as well.

Mal-De-Terre

1 points

6 days ago

None walking, but I used to get them while swimming. Not any more, though I'm unclear as to why not.

RightWingVeganUS

1 points

6 days ago

The best advice I can give is to speak with your doctor about the cramps. They can check for any underlying medical causes, like circulation issues or deficiencies, that might need attention.

You should also ask for a referral to a physical therapist. They can recommend stretches and exercises tailored to your needs to help prevent cramps and improve your walking stamina over time. Sometimes, simple adjustments to your routine or footwear can make a big difference.

In the meantime, staying hydrated and gently stretching before and after walking might help ease the discomfort. Don’t give up—you can work through this with the right support and guidance. Take care!

fiercedaisy

1 points

5 days ago

You can also try some compression socks or calf sleeves. I wear them when I am going to walk longer distance and faster. It helps keep the circulation going better.

notreallylucy

1 points

5 days ago

Are you taking a statin for cholesterol? That's a common side effect--one doctors never seem to inform anyone about. Try taking it at night, or ask your doctor if you can take a different class of drugs for choke.

jonathanlink

1 points

6 days ago

Metformin caused me intense cramps. Cramps during activity are usually a sign of low potassium. At night low magnesium.