Hi there, Thank you for writing to us. I am sorry to know that your mother is going through a hard time. Constipation in a person who has been a diabetic for more than a decade and a half could be due to what is called as autonomic neuropathy , which is a condition in which the nerves coming to the gut do not function very well and are damaged by long-standing diabetes. To overcome this problem she needs to make a few changes in the diet. She should take a diet that is high in fiber with lots of fluids. A high fiber diet would include things such as: Fruits Vegetables Whole grain cereals Over the counter fiber supplements like isphaghula husk or metamucil or benefiber In addition to the diet there are medications that can help by softening the stool which include: Milk of magnesia Olive oil Castor oil Sulfolax drops (skilax drops) Dulcolax (bisacodyl) Additionally the blood glucose should be kept under control and she should drink lots of fluids as well. Kindest Regards