Can Diabetes Cause Stomach Problems?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how our body uses and produces glucose (sugar). While blood sugar management is a top priority, diabetes impacts nearly every system in the body, including your digestive system. Stomach problems in people with diabetes are quite common and can disrupt daily life. Instead of overlooking diabetic stomach problems, learn about the underlying causes of symptoms to see how you can take action and feel better.   

How does diabetes affect the digestive system?  

High blood sugar levels, often associated with diabetes, can damage your nerves, including the vagus nerve, which helps control the rate at which food moves through your digestive tract. This condition is often referred to as gastroparesis.  

Since gastroparesis affects how food moves and is absorbed throughout the body, blood sugar management can become more challenging, as the unpredictable pace of digestion makes it harder to match insulin doses to food intake. If left unmanaged, it may affect how well your body absorbs nutrients, leading to malnutrition.   

These diabetic stomach problems tend to impact type 2 diabetics the most.  By learning how to spot symptoms of gastroparesis, you can make living with diabetes more comfortable.   

What are the symptoms of stomach problems in people with diabetes?   

Stomach problems in people with diabetes can look different for everyone, depending on how the disease affects your digestive system. For some, symptoms may be mild and easier to manage. For others, symptoms can become a regular part of life, interfering in social situations, and making it hard to enjoy life’s spontaneous moments.   

For those living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, symptoms of stomach problems may include:   

• Bloating 
• Feeling full quickly 
• Excessive gas 
• Nausea or vomiting after meals 
• Abdominal pain or cramping 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Fluctuating blood sugar levels 
• Unintended weight loss 

While these diabetic stomach problems are often caused by gastroparesis, they can occur due to medications, changes in your gut bacteria, or dehydration. Digestive issues can worsen when your blood sugar is not under control, making it harder to get your overall health and wellness in check. 

How to manage stomach problems in people with diabetes 

While these stomach problems can interrupt your daily routine, a few adjustments can help you take back control:   

• Properly manage your blood sugar, as frequent changes to your levels can worsen digestive issues and make it harder to regulate your blood sugar levels. 
• Eat small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your stomach with large portions that are difficult to process.
• Eat easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat and fiber to reduce bloating and nausea.
• Stay hydrated to support digestion and prevent constipation. 
• Stay active with gentle physical activity, such as walking after meals, to promote digestion and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 
• Avoid common triggers, such as fried or spicy foods, that can cause heartburn and bloating.