knee/joint pain in 6-year-old diabetic

[supermomx3]

my 6-year-old was diagnosed at age 2 with type 1 diabetes.  i am concerned because she consistently complains of pain in her knees, often crying and waking up at night from it.  she is a very tough kid and rarely registers pain, so it must be bad.  these episodes come every couple months and last for a week or two then subside.  
i know some kids get really bad growing pains and i hope that's what these are.  but i can't help worrying that they could be a sign of lupus.  two adult friends who have it tell me they had terrible joint pain in their knees growing up but never knew why.  with diabetes, she is already at higher risk for another auto-immune disease like lupus.  anybody have any experience or comments?  

hopefully worried over nothing,

thanks!

[JDRF-VOL-RL]

Hello, supermom!  I'm not a medical professional, just a parent of a kid with diabetes.  Those symptoms sound a lot more like growing pains than anything.  My daughter went through the same things, where she had pains in her knees and shins so bad that she had problems sleeping.  My best guess is that is what she is experiencing as well.  They should subside, though, as her growth slows down.

[Forum-vol-cmb]

I don't have much to add to RL answer but my son wakes up with pains in his shins and knees every couple of months too.  I think his are growing pains.  My other suggestion is why not go to the pediatrician and ask.  Look up some websites with signs and symptoms of lupus.  I have been diabetic for 26 years and along with my diabetes I got graves disease(over-active thyroid) and my doctor told me this can go hand in hand with diabetes.  So being cautious and informed is good.

[jmom3]

My son too. He is not diabetic but over the last year or even longer has complained of knee pain. It is waking him up at nite. I have had x rays and several trips to the Dr. Even blood work and nothing. My husband said they look weird and wants to consult a specialist. It does not seem right at all...he is only 3 years old! I will be calling the dr again!

[Lulu383]

HI there,

Same here - I wouls suspect growing pains. For relief, you should ice her knees for no more than 20 minutes at a time, on and off through the day. Advil too. Good luck.

[Sickofbeingdiabetic]

I am a diabetic of 33 years and HATE hearing that everything is diabetic related. But it could well be if her blood sugers are high for a long period of time. Even kids can be fragil diabectic. Don't take anything for granted and talk to your doctor. Best of luck ;-)