January 14, 2003
Aches and Pains
Question from Saline, Michigan, USA:
My 14 your old son, who has had type 1 diabetes for seven years and is on an insulin pump, is a caddy and tends to get terrible leg cramps after a round of golf when it is warm, but his 17 year old brother (who does not have diabetes) is also a caddy and does not have this problem. The cramps sometimes last 30 minutes, during which it is extremely painful for him to bend his legs or walk. He takes three to four salt tablets and lots of water to get the cramps to stop. He does drink a lot of water and Gatorade while caddying. Does diabetes make him more prone to the electrolyte imbalances which cause these cramps?
Answer:
This does not sound like diabetes related problem if your son’s hemoglobin A1c is in reasonable range and frequent blood glucose levels are also being checked and counterbalanced while caddying. You should discuss this with his diabetes team to see if they have any other ideas such as thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency, or celiac disease. All of these are more common in people with type�1 diabetes and may show up with prolonged activity in their early phases.
SB
Additional comments from Dr. Larry Deeb:
My only thought is to be sure that he is getting enough calcium and potassium.
LD
