Diabetic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Tips

May 2024 · 9 minute read

Diabetic diarrhea is one of the gastrointestinal symptoms of diabetes mellitus, and it's common, especially among women with diabetes. Although the treatment can vary based on the cause of diarrhea, maintaining glycemic control is always part of the treatment. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of diabetic diarrhea.

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What Are The Causes of Diabetic Diarrhea?

The diagnosis of diabetic diarrhea can be challenging because diagnosis is made by eliminating causes other than diabetes. Diarrhea can be caused by many things, including:

Impaired communication between nerves and intestinal cells affects motility and absorption, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms. High blood sugar levels exacerbate neuropathic symptoms. Therefore, fluctuations in blood sugar can further damage nerves and worsen gastrointestinal issues.

Healthcare providers often recommend screening individuals with type 1 diabetes for celiac disease. Early detection and management of celiac disease through a gluten-free diet are essential to prevent complications and improve overall health in diabetes patients.

Diabetes patients with food intolerances, allergies, or food-related diseases are likely to experience diarrhea. 

Excessive alcohol consumption can also be the cause of diarrhea. Luckily, diet-related causes are easier to correct once the differential diagnosis is made.  

How to Treat Diarrhea?

Treatment options for diabetic diarrhea can change based on the cause of the diarrhea. In any case, the treatment involves hydration and interventions to improve glycemic control. 

ORS solutions containing electrolytes can be beneficial in managing mild to moderate dehydration. These solutions help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes and can be particularly helpful during illness or periods of increased fluid loss.

In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluid rehydration may be necessary. This should be administered under medical supervision.

Probiotics are available in various strains, and different strains may have distinct effects on the body. For specific health issues, consult with a healthcare provider to determine which strain-specific probiotics may be beneficial.

While diarrhea is present, low-fiber food, including bananas, applesauce, and toast, firm stool. After the treatment, eating enough fiber can support a healthy blood glucose level and digestive system.

Patients with food intolerances, allergies, or food-related diseases such as celiac disease must avoid the foods causing the problems. 

<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href="bad-breath-from-stomach">Stomach Problems and Bad Breath: What's the Connection?</a>.</p>

Indicators for Seeking Medical Advice

Diarrhea may not resolve on its own. If you have diarrhea for more than two days and it hasn't improved, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, fever, weight loss, or pain preventing eating, you should see a doctor.⁹

It can be harder to maintain target blood glucose when diarrhea is due to lost fluids, electrolytes, and insufficient food. You can track your blood glucose levels, and if your blood glucose is lower than 60 mg/dl, go to an emergency room.¹¹

Also, episodes of diarrhea and constipation can be seen in diabetes patients, especially those who also have inflammatory bowel diseases. 

Gastrointestinal problems can disturb patients' eating, resulting in poor nutrition. Consulting a doctor can help patients identify and close the nutritional gaps through nutrition planning and, if needed, supplementation

Tips for Preventing Diarrhea

As discussed above, there could be many causes of diarrhea. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is one of the goals of treating all diabetes diarrhea; resolving real reasons can carve the pathway for prevention.

Learn How to Improve Your Nutrition and Monitor Your Glycemic Index Levels with Signos' Expert Advice.

Signos' CGM, a continuous glucose monitoring system, offers continuous blood glucose data that can be leveraged for better glucose management. The system measures your glucose levels in real-time and sends the data to your phone, where you can see the changes in your blood glucose over time. 

Signos can improve your health by providing blood glucose levels throughout the day. Therefore, you can understand how your nutrition, exercise, medication, and other actions affect your blood glucose levels. The system also provides personalized recommendations for nutrition and training in addition to sleep, hydration, nutrition, and exercise tracking. 

If you're curious about how Signos' CGM helps you, take a quick quiz and explore.

<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="/blog/how-to-relieve-stomach-pain-from-overeating">Find Yourself Overeating? Here's How To Relieve Stomach Pain</a>.</p>

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