Neurontin is often prescribed for diabetics who have pain from neuropathy.

Neuropathy is when the nerves are not working properly. It has something to do with high blood sugar levels effecting the nerves.

Anyone who is diabetic and who is experiencing pain, particularly pain in the legs, should also have a blood test for pernicious anemia. This is a lack of Vitamin B12. Prolonged low B12 can often result in muscle pain, especially pain in the legs.

Something in some of the oral diabetes meds actually contributes to pernicious anemia. Studies are now under way; saw this info in a recent issue of Diabetes Health, publishes by the American Diabetes Association. There are other reasons why a diabetic may get pernicious anemia. Not every diabetic gets pernicious anemia.

Don't be fooled by the word "anemia." This has nothing to do with iron levels or red blood cells. The body needs a certain enzyme to absorb B12. With out that enzyme, the body can't absorbe all that is needs, so you have a lack of it. Hence you need to have regular B12 shots so that there is more around for your body to absorb.

My Dad has diabetes. He had horrible leg pain. So bad that twice we went to the hospital ER. They could not find anything. His primary care doc was treating his diabetes, and prescribed neurontin for the pain and suggested we look into a pain management clinic. Instead, I found a great endocrinologist for Dad. First visit, we described all the above. He obviously had some thoughts, but he kept it to himself and ordered blood work. We got a phone call to come back into the office 3 days later. Now I give Dad a Vitamin B12 shot regularly. The pain stopped once we got those B12 levels back up. And no more need for the neurontin.

Hope this helps someone out there.
Sandra