Type 2 Diabetes - Restless Legs Syndrome Connected to Diabetes

Restless legs syndrome is a common condition that can strike virtually anyone... both diabetics and non-diabetics alike. As the name implies, it refers to a condition where an individual's legs, and even their arms, experience an uncomfortable sensation while the individual is trying to rest. The affected limb will shake with the level of intensity ranging from mild to severe. Having the condition makes sleeping virtually impossible. What is interesting about the condition is it is quite common in people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is caused by an imbalance of an important neurochemical within the brain known as Dopamine. This chemical imbalance runs in families, making offspring of individuals with RLS more apt to also develop the condition. With no restriction placed on age, it can affect adults and children alike. RLS has been linked to other medical conditions such as ADHD, depression, and especially Type 2 diabetes.

But RLS is also caused by other conditions that are also linked to diabetes, such as neuropathy, kidney disease and even an iron deficiency. Since having diabetes also increases the risk of acquiring these conditions as well, now the individual has upped their chances of contacting RLS from several different sources.

In one study, almost 20 percent of diabetics suffered from RLS, while only 5 percent of non-diabetics had the condition.

There are key factors that seem to play a part in the likelihood of a diabetic developing RLS. Elevated triglycerides, increased body mass index (BMI) and having signs of polyneuropathy... all contribute to a diabetic individual having RLS. Polyneuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves and is common in diabetics.

One reason Type 2 diabetic's seem to experience RLS more than their non-diabetic counterparts, is due to the great quality of sleep they are not receiving. Diabetics tend to have difficulty sleeping, and often experience:

• sleep apnea,
• difficulty falling asleep, and
• an inability to maintain sound sleep.

This chronic loss of good quality sleep increases the likelihood the diabetic individual will also suffer from RLS.

What can be done to combat RLS? The first obvious step is to get your Type 2 diabetes under control as much as possible. RLS sufferers have also found rubbing and moving the affected area seems to offer some relief. Massage can also be used when rubbing and movement are not sufficient. In extreme cases, the individual can try acupuncture or medications.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. It need not slowly and inevitably get worse. Now is the time to take control of the disease and take back your health. You can do it!

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

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