Constipation and hyperglycemia Most people experience constipation at some point in their lives. They bring a note to eat more fiber and expect everything to return to normal within a day or two. Fortunately, for the better percentage of those inflicted, this method works. Not so lucky are those who are struggling with something far more serious than the struggle of occasional constipation.
Constipation is a condition that can be very difficult to find the original cause. There are so many different causes of medication to lifestyle changes than to accurately target the real cause of constipation can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
One possible cause that medical experts are looking very closely is the relationship of hyperglycemia and constipation. What is the effect on blood sugar in the digestive system? Are diabetics at high risk for constipation?
As it turns out, diabetics are much more likely to suffer from constipation. Nearly 60% of diabetics also suffer from constipation. Abnormal levels of blood glucose can damage many body systems and functions. When blood sugar is elevated, the nerves of the intestine that control the duration of waste remains in the body can be seriously damaged. The nerves can not do their job properly and food waste starts to accumulate in the intestines. This does not happen overnight, of course. This condition affects type 1 diabetes who used insulin for a number of years.
Another disastrous effect on blood sugar has on the gastrointestinal tract is gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is when nerves of the stomach are damaged they can no longer function properly. The stomach does not know when to send the food through the digestive tract. Up to 75% of diabetics also have gastroparesis.
How does High Blood Sugar damages the nerves of the intestine?
Serious damage blood sugar blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients real key to the nerves of the stomach and intestine, or vagus nerves. With the necessary nutrients and oxygen is reduced or stopped to achieve the vagus nerve, digestive system goes into a state of shock. Food waste back and it can cause terrible complications.
The difference between gastroparesis and constipation is that gastroparesis, food waste is jammed in or near the stomach, constipation and waste accumulate in the small intestine. How can you tell a difference? Some of the symptoms of Gastroparesis:
- Vomiting of undigested food
- Bloating and loss of appetite
- Heartburn, acid reflux and nausea
- Dehydration
- spasms of weight loss and stomach
Gastroparesis can be a chronic and severe cases require surgery to correct it.
Constipation can be diagnosed in a patient with the following signs:
- No bowel movement for 3 consecutive days
- hard stools 25% of the time during bowel movements
- Switched to 25% of bowel movements
- Have two or fewer bowel movements per week
Treat the cause not the symptom It is important to understand that constipation is a symptom not the disease. By that I mean there must be an underlying reason for constipation. In this case, the high blood sugar levels as the cause of constipation, not the reverse. You need to treat the cause of addressing the symptom. Treating hyperglycemia and your chances of experiencing constipation will decrease.
Constipation, while being very dangerous if left untreated, is usually a condition easy to get rid of. A healthy diet with more fiber and water can greatly reduce the risk of constipation. Exercise can also have a large impact on k.
Posted on March 10, 2010.
