Diabetic Diarrhea

People with diabetes are more likely to experience chronic diarrhea than the general population. Researchers believe that this diabetic diarrhea is the often the result of a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This diarrhea often comes and goes, and it may be accompanied by an inability to control bowel movements. Short-term treatment of the condition may involve Imodium or other medications that help with symptoms; medications used for long-term control of diabetic diarrhea include Catapres, certain antibiotics, and somatostatin analogs.

 

An Overview of Diabetic Diarrhea

Diabetics can get diarrhea just like anyone else. Common causes of diarrhea include viral or bacterial infections and certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (see Diarrhea Causes). There are also a number of diabetes medications that can cause diarrhea. Yet diabetics are also more likely than most people to get chronic diarrhea because of their disease. This is known as diabetic diarrhea.
 
There are several reasons why diabetic diarrhea is thought to occur. Sometimes it occurs because of overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. It may also occur because of problems with the pancreas, which leads to poor absorption of nutrients. However, researchers believe that the most common reason why diabetics get chronic diarrhea involves condition called diabetic neuropathy.
 

Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy

People with
 diabetes can, over time, have damage to nerves throughout the body. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to numbness (and sometimes pain and weakness) in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. However, diabetic neuropathy can also cause problems in every organ system, including the digestive tract.
 
Nerve damage to the bowels can cause constipation alternating with frequent, uncontrolled diarrhea. Problems with the digestive system may also lead to weight loss (see Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms for other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy).
 
There are several types of diabetic neuropathy. The type that affects the intestines and can cause diarrhea is known as autonomic neuropathy.
 
Diabetic neuropathy appears to be more common in people who:
 
  • Have had problems controlling their blood glucose levels
  • Have high levels of blood fat and blood pressure
  • Are overweight (see BMI Calculator to find out if your weight is in a healthy range)
  • Are over the age of 40.
     
(Diabetic Diarrhea Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD