Is There Such Thing as Diabetic Diarrhea?
This isn't pretty but over the years I've heard some people with diabetes complain of having periodic diarrhea. In fact, a friend recently asked me what could be going on. I mentioned that perhaps undigested carbohydrates in the intestine were holding onto excessive water and causing watery stools (I told you this wasn't pretty). But I wanted to know if a dietitian who specializes in helping people with diabetes might have discovered any other possible reasons why this could sometimes be happening--so I asked a certified diabetes educator/dietitian that I recently met in Kansas City: Diana Rodenberg CDE, RD, MS, Clinical Nutrition Specialist at Saint Luke's Health System Diabetes Centers in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q: I wanted to know if some of your diabetic clients experience diarrhea after meals sometimes and if so, what might be going on here specific to diabetes?
A: There are two fairly common reasons why someone with diabetes might have diarrhea, and there are many not so common reasons.
MEDICATION?
The first thing I look at is their medications. If they take Metformin, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach. If they take it after they eat it will usually help. The problems usually diminish over time, but if they continue to have problems they may need a change in meds.
POOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL?
Poor blood sugar control can also cause diarrhea, the mechanism is not fully understood, but I suspect it is the osmotic effect of undigested carbohydrate entering the large intestine. Moderate carbohydrate intake 45-60 grams per meal (women) and achieving good glucose control may help.
NEUROPATHY?
Autonomic neuropathy is another possibility, especially in people who have had diabetes for a long time. It is caused by damage to the nerves that control the GI tract. Good glucose control may help, but they often need medications.
BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH?
It could also be bacterial overgrowth. Detected by a hydrogen breath test. Probiotic therapy may help.
CELIAC DISEASE?
Celiac disease is also a possibility, it is more common in people with type 1 diabetes.
UNRELATED TO DIABETES?
Or it could be IBS or another problem not related to diabetes.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: Diabetes and Artificial Sweeteners, Healthy Eating and Diabetes
Technorati Tags: diabetes, diarrhea
Q: I wanted to know if some of your diabetic clients experience diarrhea after meals sometimes and if so, what might be going on here specific to diabetes?
A: There are two fairly common reasons why someone with diabetes might have diarrhea, and there are many not so common reasons.
MEDICATION?
The first thing I look at is their medications. If they take Metformin, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach. If they take it after they eat it will usually help. The problems usually diminish over time, but if they continue to have problems they may need a change in meds.
POOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL?
Poor blood sugar control can also cause diarrhea, the mechanism is not fully understood, but I suspect it is the osmotic effect of undigested carbohydrate entering the large intestine. Moderate carbohydrate intake 45-60 grams per meal (women) and achieving good glucose control may help.
NEUROPATHY?
Autonomic neuropathy is another possibility, especially in people who have had diabetes for a long time. It is caused by damage to the nerves that control the GI tract. Good glucose control may help, but they often need medications.
BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH?
It could also be bacterial overgrowth. Detected by a hydrogen breath test. Probiotic therapy may help.
CELIAC DISEASE?
Celiac disease is also a possibility, it is more common in people with type 1 diabetes.
UNRELATED TO DIABETES?
Or it could be IBS or another problem not related to diabetes.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: Diabetes and Artificial Sweeteners, Healthy Eating and Diabetes
Technorati Tags: diabetes, diarrhea
Labels: diabetes
3 Comments:
I am surprised "diabetic" or sugar-free foods containing sugar alcohols weren't mentioned. Too many servings have a laxative effect.
I do not intend to make this into some squeamish, but I have this malfunction and I have had diabetes for about 12 years. My health is good considering, minimal neuropathy, excellent blood pressure, sugar a few points high, but every time we go out to eat, I have a sudden onset of diarrhea. We can't go anywhere anymore. I eat the probiotic yogurt in hopes it will help offset part of the problem. Wish something would help.
I know it sound crazy but when you are desperate you will try anything. Macaroons helped my mother. One or two macaroons before a meal has almost completely eliminated the problem.
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