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What Causes Diarrhea While Treating Diabetes?
I am a 53 year old male diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 9 months ago. I drink 4-10 drinks 2-3 times a week. But I have cut out the microbrews and mostly drink just lager beer now. I have had bad cholesterol numbers for years. I am taking metformin (1000 mg) twice a day. I am also taking Lisinopril and Atorvastatin. My diabetes is due mostly to my weight (5 6 and 248 lbs) and lack of exercise. I peaked at 269 lbs and have been cutting down sweets and doing more exercise. I had a hard time staying on track from Nov (242 lbs) thru Jan (252 lbs) but am now back on track, eating better and incorporating more exercise. My blood numbers are all good or trending in the right direction. My A1C went from 7.7 to 6.5 in 3 months, and my liver and cholesterol numbers are now just within their proper ranges. So my issue is this: about 4-5 weeks ago, I started having a solid stool in the early morning, a loose stool later in the morning, and liquid coming out 2-3 more times later in the day. I get fairly tired by the early afternoon and will take a 2 hour nap on weekend afternoons. I have my normal diabetes follow-up with my doctor in a month, but am wondering what may be causing all this diarrhea? -Dave P
Tue, 14 Mar 2017
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.
Metformin at high doses can cause stomach upset – commonest symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. These side effects normally settle down when taken in Slow Release preparation form. So, instead of normal (immediate release) Metformin 1000 mg, you could take Metformin SR 1000 mg.
I am not sure since how long you are on Metformin 1000 mg. Normally the side effects settle down in a few weeks. But in a small percentage of patients, the side effects remain. In this scenario, the only option is to reduce your Metformin dose and add in another Anti-Diabetic drug.
As you are eating healthy diet now, are you consuming too much fibre? This can also lead to loose stool.
So, if your diarrhoea still remains on Metformin SR, kindly see your doctor for further evaluation and advice.
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.
Metformin at high doses can cause stomach upset – commonest symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. These side effects normally settle down when taken in Slow Release preparation form. So, instead of normal (immediate release) Metformin 1000 mg, you could take Metformin SR 1000 mg.
I am not sure since how long you are on Metformin 1000 mg. Normally the side effects settle down in a few weeks. But in a small percentage of patients, the side effects remain. In this scenario, the only option is to reduce your Metformin dose and add in another Anti-Diabetic drug.
As you are eating healthy diet now, are you consuming too much fibre? This can also lead to loose stool.
So, if your diarrhoea still remains on Metformin SR, kindly see your doctor for further evaluation and advice.
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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