For some people, putting foods through a blender before eating may be helpful. This liquid may be easier to digest and the leave stomach more quickly. If digestion is delayed, some people taking insulin may be advised to take their insulin after the meal rather than before. Your doctor may also advise the use of specific medications that have proven useful for the long-term treatment of this type of digestive problem. Other common complaints of gastrointestinal neuropathy include constipation and diabetic diarrhea.
Diabetic diarrhea is recognized by episodes of multiple loose stools, which often occur at night.
People with this problem should follow a meal plan designed to meet their assessed energy and nutrient needs, have adequate fluid intake, and supplement their diet with a multivitamin or mineral tablet. For some people, antidiarrhea medications maybe suggested. Constipation is the most common digestive problem. Constipation appears to be more common in inactive people and is not, contrary to popular belief, a normal part of aging. If constipation persists, talk to your diabetes educator or physician.