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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Gastroenteritis In A Diabetic Take To Recover?

my husband just had cardiac bypass surgery and he is a insulin dependent diabetic. he now has what I believe is called gastroenteritis. they tell me this happens to diabetics sometimes. should I be worried and what should we expect as far as recovery goes?
Thu, 25 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello there,
I can understand your concern. When they said gastroenteritis does that mean your husband gets frequent loose stools? Has it been there for long or just an acute episode?
Diabetes does affect the Gastrointestinal tract in various ways and high sugars can damage the nerves of the intestines such that some patients may get diarrhoea or constipation. Usually good blood sugar control may reduce the symptoms but many patients may continue to have these symptoms irrespective of blood sugars. You can wait if the episode is acute and not severe (less than 3-4 episodes of loose stools or constipation due to surgery and reduced food intake) but if its been there for long then I would suggest meet a gastroenterologist who can do a thorough examination and suggest a ultrasound and blood tests if needed.
Till then try to increase fibre in diet and drink lots of water.
Hope this helps. Take care.
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How Long Does Gastroenteritis In A Diabetic Take To Recover?

Hello there, I can understand your concern. When they said gastroenteritis does that mean your husband gets frequent loose stools? Has it been there for long or just an acute episode? Diabetes does affect the Gastrointestinal tract in various ways and high sugars can damage the nerves of the intestines such that some patients may get diarrhoea or constipation. Usually good blood sugar control may reduce the symptoms but many patients may continue to have these symptoms irrespective of blood sugars. You can wait if the episode is acute and not severe (less than 3-4 episodes of loose stools or constipation due to surgery and reduced food intake) but if its been there for long then I would suggest meet a gastroenterologist who can do a thorough examination and suggest a ultrasound and blood tests if needed. Till then try to increase fibre in diet and drink lots of water. Hope this helps. Take care.