Can high blood sugar cause diarrhea?
Disease description:
My blood sugar has been a bit high lately, and I've also been experiencing frequent diarrhea. Are these two related? I go to the bathroom several times a day, and my stools are loose and watery. Could this be intestinal problems caused by high blood sugar?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Diarrhea refers to loose or watery stools. Under normal circumstances, high blood sugar itself does not directly cause diarrhea, but a state of high blood glucose may affect the normal function of the digestive system.
When blood glucose levels remain uncontrolled over a long period, it may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, further affecting the patient's intestinal flora and causing diarrhea. Secondly, when blood glucose levels are very high, the kidneys attempt to remove the excess sugar through urine, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can alter the fluid balance in the intestines and sometimes also cause diarrhea. Additionally, poor blood sugar control may affect the body's metabolism, including electrolyte balance, which can also increase the risk of diarrhea.
If patients with high blood glucose experience symptoms of diarrhea, they should seek medical attention promptly to determine whether it is caused by infection, medication side effects, or other complications, and adjust their treatment plan to improve blood sugar control. At the same time, patients should also pay attention to adjusting their diet and lifestyle, and regularly monitor blood glucose levels to control blood sugar and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea.
