Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes, Links to Diabetes, and What You Can Do

When your legs feel like they’re crawling, tingling, or begging you to move—especially at night—you’re not just being restless. You might have restless legs syndrome, a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, it doesn’t just disrupt sleep—it can make daily life exhausting. If you have diabetes, this isn’t a coincidence. Studies show people with type 2 diabetes are up to three times more likely to develop restless legs syndrome. Why? It’s often tied to nerve damage, a common complication of high blood sugar that affects how nerves send signals to the legs. Damaged nerves misfire, creating those strange burning, aching, or electric feelings that only movement can ease.

But nerve damage isn’t the only link. Low iron deficiency, even when blood iron levels look normal, can trigger or worsen restless legs syndrome by affecting dopamine production in the brain. Many people with diabetes also have poor iron absorption due to inflammation or kidney issues, making this a silent problem. And then there’s sleep disruption, a cycle where RLS keeps you awake, poor sleep raises blood sugar, and higher blood sugar makes RLS worse. It’s a loop that’s hard to break without understanding the roots.

You won’t find a magic pill that fixes this overnight. But you can take real steps. Some people see big improvements just by checking their iron levels and adjusting their diet or supplements. Others find relief with gentle movement before bed—like walking or stretching—something we’ve seen work in real cases. And if you’re on diabetes meds like SGLT-2 inhibitors, you might want to talk to your doctor: these drugs can sometimes make RLS worse by affecting fluid balance and nerve sensitivity. The good news? You’re not alone. The posts below cover what actually works—from tracking symptoms to spotting hidden triggers, from medication safety to lifestyle tweaks that help you sleep better and feel more in control.