"Diabetic Diarrhea"?

I've had diarrhea for 4 months now. I go between 6 - 10 times a day and have lost 20lbs. I do have good days and only go 5 times sometimes, but usually it's about once every hour and a half. It's really gotten in the way of my daily living since I don't have much warning before I have to go.

I've been seeing a g.i. specialist and he's done extensive testing. From blood work and stool specimens to colonoscopies and CT scans, he's tried everything. I've been on s few different series of medicines including prilosec, ultrase and flora-q, to name a few. Nothing seems to help with the diarrhea. I've been a brittle diabetic for 25 years.

He said that diabetic diarrhea can't be diagnosed. It's more of a "well, we've ruled everything else out, so....".

Does anyone out there have diabetic diarrhea? Has anyone ever heard of diabetic diarrhea? I would sure appreciate knowing that I am not alone with this struggle. Thanks in advance.

I have been dibetic for 45 years. I have this problem when my sugar is too high. When my sugar is normal it rarely happens.

I have a suggestion. This may seem counter-intuitive, but try taking a couple of scoops of Metamucil (or some generic equivalent) each day. Most people think of it as a laxative, but actually the psyllium in the stool soaks up moisture, so it can have the opposite effect with chronic diarrhea....kinda like adding flour to gravy drippings until you get the consistency you want...gross analogy I know, but it is the best comparison I have come up with. My mother had chronic diarrhea due to a colon resection and this strategy has helped her a lot. I hope it works, but if it doesn't...no harm...no foul. It's a safe strategy and actually good for you.

Good luck.

PS: Give it about 3 days before you decide if it is working or not. It takes about that long for the psyllium to work its way throughout your system. Also, you may find that 1 scoop is enough, but don't be afraid to go up to 2 or 3 if you don't see the "consistency" you want with 1. It won't hurt you.

i got diabetes when i was 7 and now i am 37. i know what you are talking about. i had that problem when my blood sugar was high. i think it was the sugar in your body. try to keep your sugar levels at a normal rate.i used Imodium id, it seemed to work good for me. be sure to keep your self full of fluids.

Regardless of what you call it...I would treat it similar to colitis. Being diabetic can make it trickier...but not impossible to control. I would start with getting the 'flora'/yeast in your intestinal system under control. This will take time! Acidophilus taken 2-3 times daily...(will not interfere with medication, but check with your doc) An overabundance of candida/flora/yeast is very common with diabetics. I would also recommend a type of bulking agent...but if you are taking oral meds for the diabetes or anything else you must take them at different times. Health food stores carry various fiber supplements - I use/recommend one with psyllium, bentonite clay, marshmallow root, apple pectin and a couple others. Start reading up on these. Because they will bulk up stool, it can start to slow things down. They also 'absorb' things, so this is why you have to take them at different times than medications so they don't absorb the meds! Take a few hours in between medications. (the acidiphilous is fine anytime)

Bottom line, hopefully you can seek out a Natural Therapist or Naturopathic Doctor to help you find what works. I know many such as yourself who have gotten relief. Just check with your doctor as you go. Good luck!

Have you thought about islet cell transplant or pancreas transplant? My cousin was a brittle type 1 diabetic and she had a pancreas transplant about 10 years ago and is doing well now. here are some links..

Islet cell transplant
http://www.umm.edu/news/releases/islet_c... (islet cell transplant)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/islet-c... (mayo clinic)

Pancreas transplant
http://www.pancreastransplant.org/ (pancreas transplant)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/... (pancreas transplant)

Soluable fibers (and diabetes)
http://www.konjacfoods.com/fiber/fiberos... (list of foods with soluable and insoluable fiber)
http://www.konjacfoods.com/fiber.htm (a fiber supplement)

Could you be lactose intolerant or have some sort of food allergy or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?