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What Causes Constipation Inspite Of Taking Metformin For Diabetes?

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Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014
Question: I have diabetes 11. Of late have suffered from extreme thirst and constipation. I take Metformin for diabetes and drink a great deal of water?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer: may be due to metformin Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Metformin is one of the first line medications used for diabetes, it helps to reduce the body's resistance to insulin which makes it very helpful for type 2 diabetes. Metformin can be associated with problems with the gastrointestinal tract in some persons. It can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating or diarrhoea in some. Diabetes can also cause problems with constipation because of its effect on the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract. In term of the constipation the options would be: (1) increase the use of fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Fibre supplements such as metamucil would also be helpful (2)There is a long acting form of metformin that is associated with less gastrointestinal problems. This is because it is released slowly over a 24 hour period Thirst can be related to abnormal blood sugars, excess heat in the environment. You may want to see if the sugar levels are increased beyond normal. There is another condition called diabetes insipidus that is associated with increased thirst. In this condition, the kidneys are not able to concentrate the urine and the urine is dilute. This is rare. If the thirst continues your doctor may want to assess your urine to see if there is any change. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Constipation Inspite Of Taking Metformin For Diabetes?

Brief Answer: may be due to metformin Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Metformin is one of the first line medications used for diabetes, it helps to reduce the body's resistance to insulin which makes it very helpful for type 2 diabetes. Metformin can be associated with problems with the gastrointestinal tract in some persons. It can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating or diarrhoea in some. Diabetes can also cause problems with constipation because of its effect on the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract. In term of the constipation the options would be: (1) increase the use of fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Fibre supplements such as metamucil would also be helpful (2)There is a long acting form of metformin that is associated with less gastrointestinal problems. This is because it is released slowly over a 24 hour period Thirst can be related to abnormal blood sugars, excess heat in the environment. You may want to see if the sugar levels are increased beyond normal. There is another condition called diabetes insipidus that is associated with increased thirst. In this condition, the kidneys are not able to concentrate the urine and the urine is dilute. This is rare. If the thirst continues your doctor may want to assess your urine to see if there is any change. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions