Diabetes and Constipation: What’s the Connection?

Constipation and Diabetes

Constipation is a common problem for people with diabetes. In fact, constipation affects about half of people with diabetes. This is compared to only about 20% of the general population who experience constipation.

There are a few reasons why constipation is more common in people with diabetes.

Nerve damage

Diabetes can damage nerves throughout the body, including those that control the digestive system. For example, they may slow the movement of food through the digestive tract.

Diabetic neuropathy can also cause the colon to become less sensitive to stool, which can make constipation worse.

Medication side effects

Many of the medications used to treat diabetes can cause side effects that lead to constipation. For instance, some medications can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, which can cause your stomach to slow down and make it harder to have a bowel movement.

Additionally, diuretics, which are medications used to treat high blood pressure, can cause dehydration and worsen constipation.

Reduced fluid intake

People with diabetes may drink less water because they are thirsty less. This can make dehydration that leads to constipation.

Constipation can be a problem. It can cause:

- Pain

- Bloating

- Gas

- Straining

- Hemorrhoids

- Fistulas

- Rectal prolapse

- Overflow diarrhea

- Skin problems

If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are treatments that can help. But first let's learn how to prevent constipation from happening in the first place.

Tips for preventing constipation:

- Drink plenty of fluids

- Eat a diet high in fiber

- Get regular exercise

- Don't wait too long to go to the bathroom

- Avoid foods that can cause constipation

- Manage your diabetes well

- Drink prune juice daily

If you are already experiencing constipation, there are a few things you can do to relieve it:

- Drink a glass of warm water in the morning

- Eat a high-fiber breakfast

- Take a laxative

- Try a glycerin suppository

- Give yourself an enema

If your constipation is severe or does not improve with these treatments, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.

References

- [Constipation. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation)

- [Constipation in Diabetes. The Diabetes Council](https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/constipation-diabetes/)

- [Constipation and diabetes. Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/constipation-and-diabetes/art-20046062)

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