A spasm is a jerky, involuntary movement of a muscle, often in a pattern not associated with that particular muscle. In the person suffering from diabetes, spasms can be far more severe due to the already diminished elasticity of the muscle. For example, a foot could appear to turn “backwards” or fingers could be forced into extended straight positions, bending “upwards.” Muscle spasms are usually associated with strained and overused muscles. World class athletes and dancers, for example, walk a fine line between training for high performance, and pushing their muscles beyond their limit. But when a diabetes muscle spasm strikes, it is rarely due to overuse of the muscle.

Dehydration is a frequent cause of muscle spasms; diabetes’ presence makes this all the more likely. While too much water intake can have a horrible result, especially if your bladder has been compromised by your diabetes, it is a good …