Prevalence of muscle cramps in patients with diabetes.

We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of muscle cramps in patients with diabetes compared with healthy volunteers. Frequency, severity (using visual analog scale [VAS]), duration, and disability due to muscle cramps were evaluated, as is standard in clinical trials. Information about each patient’s clinical status was collected, including patient demographics, neuropathy (diagnosed using established clinical and electrophysiological criteria and quantitated using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score) (3), diabetes complications, duration and type of diabetes, concurrent cramp-inducing (b-blockers, diuretics, statins) and cramp-protecting (quinine, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics) medications, and markers of glycemic control (HbA1c).