Patient's question:
Why does diabetes cause diarrhea and why is it frequent in recent months? How can I prevent it? Is it caused by insulin? I also feel bloated and poor digestion with a bit of nausea. How can I get rid of this trouble?Doctor's answer:
In many people's view, diabetes seems to only have the symptoms of "three more and one less," but in fact, diabetes can also cause various diseases of the digestive system, especially abnormal motor function of the digestive system. Abnormal bowel movements are one of them. Due to the elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients, the intestinal nerves may be damaged, weakening the intestinal motor function can lead to constipation; while if the nerves that inhibit intestinal movement are damaged, the intestinal peristalsis becomes active, causing diarrhea. Don't underestimate constipation and diarrhea—they not only bring you pain but can also lead to more severe complications. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention and seek timely treatment. Diabetes dietary therapy can also be adopted.Prevention
1. Control diabetes well to reduce or delay the occurrence and development of autonomic neuropathy.
2. Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber to aid bowel movement.
3. Develop good bowel habits. Some people believe that drinking a glass of warm water in the morning, regardless of whether you feel the urge to defecate or not, and then lying on your side for 10 minutes afterward, can help establish good bowel habits, which is very effective in maintaining smooth bowel movements. Patients might as well try it.
4. B vitamins: It is said that they are effective for many patients in maintaining normal bowel movements.
5. For those with constipation, measures to promote bowel movement can be taken, including using laxatives such as Xin Qing Ning, Tong Bian Ling, Mahan Rui Chang Wan, and Mahan Zhi Pi Wan. These should be taken once in the evening. Do not wait until the stool is already dry before using laxatives, as small doses of laxatives will be ineffective at that point, while excessive use of laxatives may cause diarrhea. It is best to avoid strong purgatives to prevent the stool from becoming drier after purging. Examples include magnesium sulfate, phenolphthalein, and guaifenesin tablets. Suppositories like Kao Se Ru can be used appropriately.
6. For diarrhea, some astringent medications can be used, such as clonidine, anisodamine (654-2), and bismuth preparations (e.g., bismuth subcarbonate, Imodium, and berberine).
7. Traditional Chinese medicine is very effective in treating abnormal bowel movements, distinguishing between yin and yang, deficiency and excess, qi and blood, and the lungs and intestines, and treating patients individually. Examples include health foods like Liu Wei Huang Lao Cha, which not only promotes bowel movement but also helps prevent high blood pressure.