Diabetes And Constipation: Link, Symptoms & Home Remedies To Control The Condition

In most cases, diabetes patients often complain of high blood sugar levels, which in worst cases, can cause nerve damage. The damage causes to the nerve, the diet followed, and diabetes medication can together lead to symptoms of constipation. This link was established in a 2017 article, which stressed the connection between diabetes and constipation. As per the study, up to 60 per cent people of diabetes patients complain of constipation. Some other researches point that a range of 11-56 per cent of diabetics is affected with constipation. As per the author, those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes have a higher risk of getting chronic constipation.

Diabetes Neuropathy & Constipation  

Nerve damage is common in those who have acute diabetes. This condition is termed as diabetic neuropathy in which different parts, including the digestive system, are affected. Diabetes directly affects the vagus nerve, which directs the food to the gastrointestinal tract. When the vagus nerve is ruptured, processing of solid waste becomes haywire, leading to constipation in most cases. The damaged nerve can also lead to gastroparesis, which means delayed gastric emptying.

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Diabetes Diet And Constipation

A diabetes diet is a major reason for constipation in several cases. Those who have diabetes should have a well-balanced diet to keep their sugar levels in control. People with diabetes are advised to have a heartfelt food, which is packed with all necessary nutrients. Fibre is an essential element, which prevents bowel-related conditions.

Diabetes-Related Constipation Symptoms

If you have diabetes, these symptoms point towards diabetes-related constipation:

• Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
• Hard stool
• Difficulty in pooping
• Heavy feeling in the bowel
• Bloating

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In severe cases, other symptoms can be:

• Blood while passing stool
• Blood from the rectum
• Abdomen pain
• Vomiting
• Fever  
• Weight Loss
• Inability to pass gas

Treatment With Home Remedies

In most cases, diabetes-related constipation can be cured by following some simple home remedies:

• Drink plenty of fluids as it helps keep the bowel movement healthy
• Eat more fibre-rich food options like wholegrain breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds, potato skin, broccoli, etc.
• Exercise regularly to regulate your bowel health and ease the process of pooping
• Control on the intake of sugar and processed food items high in saturated fats
• Drink caffeinated coffee as it has the properties to stimulate gut health just as it happens with fibre-rich food. Also, in almost every coffee variety, some amount of soluble fibre can be traced, which further stimulates the bowel movement.
• Go for herbal laxatives like senna, which is commonly used to treat constipation. Senna plant is rich in glycosides, which stimulates the gut health, leading to a smoother bowel movement. This herbal plant should be consumed in limited quantity.
• Take probiotics, which is extremely helpful in curing constipation in several cases. It produces lactic acid in the body, which helps treat chronic constipation in most of the cases.
• Other treatment options can be taking an over-the-counter stool softener or a fibre-based bulking laxative, which makes you feel full and helps regulate the digestive system. 

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