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Diabetic diarrhea
Milena Gould1, Joseph H Sellin
1Section of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Suite 8.36, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|September 22, 2009
Summary
Diabetic patients often experience diarrhea due to medications like metformin, sugar-free foods, or underlying conditions such as diabetic enteropathy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this common complication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Diarrhea presents diagnostic and treatment challenges in diabetic patients.
- Certain conditions causing diarrhea are more common in individuals with diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the specific causes of diarrhea with higher incidence in diabetic patients.
- To highlight the importance of a thorough history and diagnostic tests.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature focusing on diarrhea etiologies in diabetic populations.
- Analysis of common causes including medications, diet, and specific diseases.
Main Results:
- Metformin is a frequent medication-induced cause of diarrhea in diabetics.
- Diabetic patients have increased prevalence of celiac sprue and microscopic colitis.
- Sugar-free foods containing sorbitol and diabetic enteropathy are other significant causes.
Conclusions:
- Diarrhea in diabetic patients requires careful evaluation for multiple potential causes.
- Identifying the specific etiology is key to effective management and treatment.
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