Diarrhea And Constipation Diarrhea is a particularly difficult problem in about 5 percent of people with diabetes. They may have loose stools several times a day that come on with little warning. They hesitate to go out in public, and if they do, they make sure they know where the bathroom is. The cause of diabetic diarrhea is not well understood. Like diabetic gastroparesis, diabetic diarrhea is clearly more common in people who have damage to other organs of the body because of long-standing diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy can affect the motility of the small and large bowels.
Normally in the large bowel, fluid is absorbed from the digested food, and solid stools are formed. Nerve damage may affect the individual cells of the bowel, and fluids aren't absorbed as well. Neuropathy may also damage the anal sphincter muscles and interfere with normal sensation in the rectum. That's why people don't feel the need to have a bowel movement. There are treatments, and you will very likely get some or even complete relief once you get treated.