Hey Dolphin,   I haven't heard from a doctor that it's consistently typical for women with diabetes to have abnormal periods, but I know several women with diabetes who have experienced real irregularities. I personally had very irregular periods from 13 until 22. I became "regular" for no apparent reason!   As far as the cramps and gas, that sounds like good ol' fashioned symptoms of a real menstrual cycle, and you could take Midol, try exercising, heat with a heat packs, massage or yoga...   For the sake of your diabetes, defiinitely talk to your doctor about getting your blood work done. They will probably want to test your testosterone levels and maybe bone density, too.   -Ginger