DOC News January 1, 2006
Volume 3 Number 1 p. 12
© 2006 American Diabetes Association
Restless Legs Syndrome Common in Diabetes
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in type 2 diabetes, particularly
among those with peripheral neuropathy, according to a report in the November
2005 issue of Diabetes Care.
RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in
the legs and an urge to move them for relief. The sensations are described as
pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and
sometimes painful. The discomfort of RLS often occurs at rest, frequently
causing disruption of sleep. RLS can cause exhaustion and fatigue if
untreated, affecting job performance, social activities, and family life.
Currently there is no cure for RLS; however, four drug therapies are used to
help ease symptoms: dopaminergic agents, sedatives, anti-convulsants, and pain
relievers.
A group of researchers at the Federal University of Ceara in Brazil studied
RLS in 100 consecutive patients regularly attending their diabetes clinic.
They assessed sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of each participant, and
evaluated for RLS. Overall, 27% of the participants had RLS. Nearly half of
all participants reported poor sleep quality, which was associated with
peripheral neuropathy, advancing age, and RLS. More than one-quarter of all
participants reported excessive daytime sleepiness.
Analysis of data revealed an association between RLS and peripheral
neuropathy. People with neuropathy were nearly 13 times more likely to suffer
RLS, the researchers conclude.
Lopes LA, Lins CD, Adeodato VG, et al.: Restless legs
syndrome and quality of sleep in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes
Care 28:2633–2636, 2005[Abstract/Free Full Text].
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