How Can Living With Diabetes Affect Your Digestive System?
Posted By Author on November 5, 2021
Diabetes is a systemic disease. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Because it affects various parts of the body, diabetes can increase your risk for other health issues. These issues include heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and gastrointestinal conditions.
Therefore, patients with diabetes have higher than average levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood. This can often lead to gastroparesis. While more common with type 1, diabetes is the most common known cause of this condition. It impacts how the body digests and breaks down food. Your inconsistent blood sugar levels can also result in organ and nervous system damage.
The following gastrointestinal conditions have been linked to diabetes:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD
- Dysphagia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Therefore, experiencing chronic and persistent digestive tract concerns, our experienced Charleston gastroenterology specialists can help. You can schedule an appointment today, no referral needed!
Diabetes and Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms
First, our GI specialists are equipped to provide top-notch medical care and relief from the following symptoms:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble controlling/regulating blood sugar levels
- Abdominal bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Poor appetite resulting in unintended weight loss
Need Help Managing Your Digestive Disorder? Contact Charleston G.I. Today!
Furthermore, living with diabetes is difficult, but is even trickier when it is paired with a digestive disease – as it typically is. Here at Charleston GI, our gastroenterology specialists can help. Thus, we treat a wide range of conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gestational diabetes, Celiac disease and more.
Besides, determining a diagnosis is the first step, which may require a capsule endoscopy or upper endoscopy. An upper endoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a flexible tube with a tiny camera attached (called an endoscope) to examine your GI tract. We can perform this simple procedure at one of our endoscopy centers, conveniently located in Summerville and Charleston, SC!
Lastly, for people diagnosed with diabetes, we can suggest lifestyle changes and recommend healthy meal plans to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our GI specialists may also prescribe medication to help regulate your blood sugar.
In closing, for the high-quality health care you deserve, visit Charleston GI today! To better serve you, we have 4 GI locations throughout the Charleston area. You can call today to schedule an appointment!
More Helpful Gastrointestinal Blogs
- COMMON UNHEALTHY HABITS THAT HARM YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
- THE BENEFITS OF DIETARY FIBER FOR YOUR GUT
- 10 TIPS FOR IMPROVING GUT HEALTH
- WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST GASTROENTEROLOGY APPOINTMENT
- WHO SHOULD SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY?
- WHAT CAN I EAT AFTER A COLONOSCOPY?
- HOW LONG DOES A COLONOSCOPY PROCEDURE TAKE?
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A COLONOSCOPY
- WHAT GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS CAN A COLONOSCOPY DETECT?
