I'm diabetic type 2. at night in bed my right great toe has mild ache but no redness or swelling. possible causes?

Neuropathy: This may be the beginnings of neuropathy which often affects the big toe first, and is often only uncomfortable at night.

Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy or possibly a radiculopathy from your back.

Circulation: Could be circulation. When your feet are elevated, gravity does not assist the bloodflow to your feet. Its possible that you have a mild blockage in one of the arteries flowing into the foot. If getting up and walking helps make it feel better, this is more likely. Seek a medical evaluation with a vascular specialist to rule out circulation as being the problem.

Many possibilities: You may have circulatory issue from the diabetes, get that checked. May also have neuropathy starting. Get it checked, can never be to careful with diabetes!

Prob not vasc: Maybe gout or arthritis.

Sounds like nerves: Positional changes in the back as you lay down can sometimes create pain as a result of compression of the nerve roots that relay and control the sensation in the foot. As a diabetic, this is the more likely scenario, but it is important that you have proper regular foot exams with podiatry to verify and prevent other issues to your feet.