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Isabelle Schweitzer's avatar

Thank you again. You mention tracking morimg glucose. I was wondering what your thoughts are about using a continuous glucose monitor if you are not diabetic and how to interpret or best use the information.

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

Hi Isabelle. I use the CGM regularly with patients even if they are not diabetic. I just finished a 2 week round myself. I do have some patient handouts on CGMs and interpretations deepening on non-diabetic, pre diabetic, and diabetic. Let me add that to my list of articles to write!

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Nancy Hendrickson's avatar

Unfortunately I am already insulin resistant and pre-diabetic. Sorry I didn’t have this info much earlier. Now, losing even a few ounces is extremely difficult. Suggestion for reversal?

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FORGETTING by Marylou Cate's avatar

I am in same boat.

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Nancy Hendrickson's avatar

Thank you

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Lisa Citron's avatar

REPORT ONE DAY LATER! Last night I drank 8 oz of water infused with 2 tsp. of CALM for the magnesium. It worked! Not one leg cramp!!! Thank you all! Yep, I'm following your guide. Lifelong (83 years) patterns of real foods, approx. 40 years of a variety of body moves, last 20 years mix-up of, yoga, t'ai chi, and strength training. No meds prescribed. Still. Encouraged by your posts, upping new habits. Still. Leg cramps at night progressing worser and worser. MIddle of the night wake-ups in not-to-be-missed pain. What's up with this? What are the cells craving?

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G Blo's avatar

Yes! Magnesium works for my muscles too!

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

Wow—83 years and still crushing it with real food, movement variety, and no meds? You’re a rockstar.

Leg cramps at night can be surprisingly stubborn, and they often point to a few sneaky culprits worth checking:

Electrolyte imbalances (especially magnesium, potassium, calcium, or sodium)—even with a great diet, absorption can shift with age.

Dehydration—even mild dehydration can irritate muscles.

Circulation changes or nerve irritability—especially with nighttime position shifts.

Medication side effects—but you’re not on any, so we can skip that one!

Low magnesium intake or absorption—very common and worth supplementing if your provider agrees.

You might try:

Magnesium glycinate or citrate before bed (check with your doc, but generally safe and often helpful).

A banana and handful of pumpkin seeds in the evening (natural potassium + magnesium boost).

Staying well-hydrated, especially in the afternoon and evening—but not so late that it interrupts sleep.

Gentle calf and hamstring stretching before bed.

And yes—even check vitamin D levels—there’s some surprising data linking it to muscle pain and cramping.

If this is getting worse, it might be worth checking a basic CMP, magnesium, vitamin D, and B12.

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Lisa Citron's avatar

By “checking” basic levels mean by getting a blood test to determine levels?

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

Yes.

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Lisa Citron's avatar

Thank you. Going to try all. I’ve got a poor history of taking supplements, as in buying, taking for two minutes , then …. Nada. Pumpkin seeds feels way doable!

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

The easiest way to remember...anchor to an activity that you are already doing. For example, I put my supplements in a little weekly pill dispenser near my tea station. I never go without my tea in the mornings. Then if you need to take something at night put the bottle next to your toothbrush. Brush your teeth, take supplements, feel better, sleep better.

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Lisa Citron's avatar

Thank you!

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FORGETTING by Marylou Cate's avatar

Not advice by me but once I started taking magnesium at 8pm I haven't had another leg cramp. Could your body want magnesium?

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Lisa Citron's avatar

Thank you! Will try!

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

Magnesium works for a lot of people!

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