(Message in Diabetes)

#: 758608 S16/Ask the Doc  (CIS:DIABETES) 04-Oct-97  02:34:00 Sb: cramps Fm:
	SYSOP-Paula DuBourdieu 73021,567 To: Alice A. Murphy 104307,326 Replies: 0
	TID: 107573    Par: 758579    Chd: 0         Sib: 758617

Dear Alice,

     Gastrointestinal problems are common among diabetics, but aren't
	 mentioned as often as I think they should be.  Those with such problems
	 should know that some BP, lipid-lowering and other medications can worsen
	 constipation in diabetics and a trade-off sometimes must be considered.
	 DMDIARR.TXT in the forum Library has some abstracts discussing
	 gastrointestinal issues diabetics experience, including abstracts of the
	 following articles:

    The abstract of  "Overview of gastrointestinal disorders due to diabetes
	mellitus: emphasis on nutritional support"  states:   "Gastrointestinal
	disorders associated with diabetes mellitus have a prevalence rate of 30
	to 75%. The most prominent disorders are gastroparesis, diarrhea, and
	constipation."

     The abstract of  "The intestinal and liver complications of diabetes
	 mellitus"  states: "Gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea, and fecal
	 incontinence occur frequently in diabetics with long-standing and often
	 poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes. These motor abnormalities
	 of the gastrointestinal tract tend to be associated in these patients
	 with evidence of autonomic neuropathy and other diabetes-related
	 complications such as peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and
	 retinopathy."

    The abstract "Functional bowel symptoms in diabetes--the role of autonomic
	neuropathy"  discusses a study of 200 diabetic patients and 200
	nondiabetic controls showing increased rates of constipation among
	diabetic patients.

     I hope your doctor has some good ideas to help!

				Paula