Diabetes patients may have specific symptoms of stomach pain without being able to identify the cause. Numerous reasons can contribute to stomach pain, some of which are caused by diabetes itself, while other variables are caused by other factors. Diabetes is a prevalent cause of digestive issues like gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying), which can create complications throughout the body.
What is Diabetes?
When your blood sugar (glucose) is too high, you develop diabetes. It arises when your body isn’t reacting appropriately to the effects of insulin or when your pancreas produces insufficient or no insulin at all.
Eight Causes of Diabetes Patients’ Frequently Occurring Stomach Pain
2. Diabetes-Related Enteropathy
Damage to the nerves in the colon causes diabetic enteropathy. Constipation, bloating, discomfort, and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms it may cause.
3. The gastroparesis
When the stomach cannot adequately empty itself, gastroparesis occurs. This occurs when excessive blood glucose damages the nerves.
4. Infections
Patients with diabetes, particularly those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to infections, such as gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can result in stomach pain.
5. Side Effects of Medication
Bloating, diarrhoea, or stomach pain are gastrointestinal adverse effects of some diabetes treatments, especially some oral therapies like metformin.
6. Pancreatitis
Severe stomach pain may result from pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that is exacerbated by diabetes.
7. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
Low blood sugar levels can occasionally also result in symptoms like perspiration, nausea, and stomach pain.
8. Malabsorption of Bile Acids
Bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain might result from bile acid absorption issues in certain diabetic people.
Takeaway
A hazardous DKA emergency, high blood sugar, or untreated T1D could all be the cause of stomach pain. For those with type 1 diabetes, stomach pain may indicate that your healthcare team needs to revisit some aspects of diabetes management. Although there is no cure for gastroparesis, which can cause stomach issues in many diabetics, it can be controlled with medicine or other medical procedures, as well as by altering eating or drinking habits.
