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.

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