Diarrhea can simply be defined as the frequent excretion of loose, inconsistent watery stools. Diabetes mellitus can very often get complicated through the development of various digestive disorders, of which diarrhea would be one. One of the most common ways through which diabetes could lead to diarrhea or loose stool is by creating autonomic neuropathy. This is mainly a dysfunction within the numerous nerves which control several internal organs, our gut included. This condition (autonomic neuropathy) generally occurs years after diabetes has been present in an individual. The abnormal functioning of the nerves may provoke the patient's intestinal muscles to move food too slowly or too quickly, thus leading to abnormal digestion. This then leads to diarrhea.
Furthermore, gastroparesis also referred to as delayed gastric emptying, could result when a person's stomach takes too long to empty out its contents. Gastroparesis occurs, when the nerves to one's stomach are either damaged or they stop working. The nerve known as the vagus nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of all food through our digestive tract. Now, if this vagus nerve gets damaged in some way, the muscles present in the intestines as well as the stomach stop functioning normally. Thus, movement of food is then either stopped or slowed. Diabetes is known to cause damage or harm to this vagus nerve, particularly if the blood glucose levels stay high over a prolonged period of time. This high blood glucose then leads to chemical changes within the nerves and it is also known to damage the blood vessels, which transport nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. Some of the diabetic gastroparesis symptoms are nausea and heartburn, regurgitation of undigested food, weight loss, lack of appetite, abdominal bloating and gastroesophageal reflux. Diabetic gastroparesis symptoms may either be mild or they may be severe, depending from person to person.
Additionally, when food lingers for too long within a person's stomach, it could cause further problems such as a bacterial overgrowth due to the fermentation or decay of food. To add, this food may then solidify into hard masses known as bezoars. These bezoars can then cause vomiting, nausea, as well as an obstruction within the individual's stomach. Bezoars may also prove to be dangerous, particularly when they block food from being passed on into the small intestine. As you seem to display most of the symptoms of gastroparesis, consulting your physician for gastroparesis treatment would be highly recommended.
answered by M W