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Permalink Reply by losinglaura on April 7, 2012 at 5:29am

I used to have problem with cramps alot. I found when my sugar was high, (Over 250) and was coming down within range was when I got the cramps. I was in the emergency room once with high sugar, (Over 500) and was getting bad cramps all over my body. Blood work was taken at that time, and they found a huge potassium drop during that time, as my sugar was coming down. Since that time, I take potassium daily and do not have the problem. It is in prescription form.
Laura

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Permalink Reply by Leo2 on April 7, 2012 at 10:17am

Every time someone in our house has that problem it's diuretics or low potassium. So, taking it from that, maybe drinking more fluids is needed? Has the glucose been going higher at night?

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Permalink Reply by Terry on April 7, 2012 at 12:54pm

I get calf cramping at night but not very often, maybe 2-3 times per year. I've taken potassium supplements and they seem to help.

More importantly, I've notice a strong correlation to this night-time cramping with large increases in my total daily dose of insulin. It usually occurs when I eat holiday foods and portions and I compensate with large increases in insulin. It also happens when I'm chasing a stubborn high and I add more than one correction dose to bring it down.

I found when I temporarily increase my total daily insulin dose by more than about 25% then night-time calf cramping often ensues.

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Permalink Reply by LaGuitariste on April 7, 2012 at 1:14pm

I used to have a big problem with this pre-diagnosis. I still get it when I'm running too high (tinkling out all my minerals, I assume.) I now use NuSalt which is 50% sodium and 50% potassium. I don't use a lot, just a sprinkle on my steamed veggies or what-not. It seems to help a lot, as does keeping my BG's down to a dull roar.

I do find that being cold makes it worse, as my muscles are more likely to go into spasm when I'm shivering or tensing up even a little bit. I used to sleep in the buff back home in the Louisiana heat, but now on cool Seattle nights I have to wear sweat-pants, a tee-shirt and DOUBLE socks or I can still get crampy -- feet and calves, especially, but also terrible cramps in my thighs and lower back.

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Permalink Reply by Spock on April 7, 2012 at 5:51pm

Have them..a lot and never. Buy anticramp pill from the VitaminStore and they really help.

It is less frequent now. I find that a "walk" really helps--cold floors are wonderful.

But is a powerful pain.

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on April 7, 2012 at 8:50pm

I had no idea there was a "chemical" component to this, I just figured it's shoe related?

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Permalink Reply by Timothy on April 7, 2012 at 11:47pm

Could be chemical or physical , or both. I have Plantar fasciitis which I got some supports for. I don't have any other imbalance. It's just shoes and arch supports for me. happens from walking or running in the wrong shoes mostly.
I do seem to get shin splints easily though. Calfs tighten up easily too. I think that is more age related. Ben Gay seems to take care of it all for me :)

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Permalink Reply by Spock on April 8, 2012 at 7:44am

I first thought it was a potassium thing, but my doc checked and my level was fine. He was the one who suggested the anticramp pills. I was really skeptical, but they did work.

I am very careful about shoes, also. I have this inserts the podiatrist makes. I am never sure if they make any difference, either.

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Permalink Reply by Brianna on April 8, 2012 at 7:52pm

After all of these responses, I will definitely talk to my dr about any possible viatmin/mineral deficiencies. My bloodsugars are definitely not perfect, but I have never seen any correlation between higher sugars/more insulin and these foot cramps. I have noticed that they do get worse with cold so I tend to go to bed with socks on though they inevitably come off in the middle of the night because I get really hot when I sleep for some reason. I should also look into my shoes too, I guess. I have never paid much attention to them. I walk a lot and I generally wear sneakers, but ones that I've had for years. Also, I sometimes walk around on my lunch break at work, but I keep my work shoes on...perhaps that is not a good idea.

At any rate, thanks for all of the responses!

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on April 8, 2012 at 7:57pm

All the running stuff I've read, seminars w/ the PT people at the local store, etc. suggest that you need to replace shoes every 400 miles or so which may seem like a long time but, if you're walking regularly and on your feet, doesn't take long at all. I forgot when I posted before but the local store has a helpful link, prepared by some physical therapists, one of whom paced the 10:00/ mile group, with tips for dealing with other running injuries? http://runningcompany.com/Running-Injuries/

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