DIABETES

What you need to know about constipation in diabetics

Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week. They have difficulty evacuating stool and the stool is hard and dry. Generally, there are two types of constipation: transit constipation and terminal constipation. Diabetic constipation is usually transit constipation. But it can also be due to a disorder of rectal evacuation. Similarly, it can be chronic or occasional depending on the individual. It is a symptom that can be treated very well. If necessary, it can lead to various complications.

What is transit constipation?

Intestinal transit refers to the passage of food from the stomach through the duodenum into the intestine. The body assimilates the food during transit and at the end, there are still the parts that will be evacuated through the stool. Constipation in diabetics is often called transit constipation. It results in an intestinal transit that takes time for different reasons:

This slowness causes the stool to remain in the colon for a long time. In this case, the best solution is to avoid this slowness. The adoption of a good eating habit helps to combat constipation in diabetics.

Learn more about the etiology of constipation

Etiology refers to the study of the causes and factors of a disease. As far as constipation is concerned, it is important to know them in order to better understand this symptom. Constipation in diabetics can occur as a result of dysfunctions in the body. There are many reasons for constipation.

Preventing constipation to avoid discomfort

Complying with hygienic and dietary measures helps prevent constipation. This applies to the constipation of diabetics. Good hydration is essential for this with at least one to two litres of fluid per day. Otherwise, foods rich in minerals, especially magnesium, have a laxative effect. Intestinal transit is stimulated by physical activities that strain the abdominal muscles. Introducing as much fibre as possible into the daily diet helps a lot. Fibre stimulates the growth of the bacterial flora. In some cases, medicines that promote constipation should be discontinued:

However, the doctor's opinion is required before making this decision. Otherwise, lifting the feet at the height of the toilet bowl in the toilet improves the position and facilitates the evacuation of faeces.

Foods to be preferred in case of constipation

It is possible to overcome constipation in diabetics with the right foods. Dietary fibre is at the top of the list. They help to soften the stool and increase its volume. They are found in vegetables, citrus fruits, fruits, legumes and cereals. The amount required is 25 to 30g per day. Anti-constipation foods are:

In the case of constipation in diabetics, the best thing to do is to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and an adequate diet.