Gastrointestinal Issues
The gastrointestinal system includes the anus, rectum, large and small intestines, stomach, throat, esophagus, and mouth. It is among the body systems affected by diabetic neuropathy. The damage caused by diabetic neuropathy affects the vast communication network that sends messages from the CNS or central nervous system to the other parts of the body, including the stomach and intestines.
Patients with diabetic neuropathy frequently experience abdominal bloating, heartburn, vomiting, IBS, and nausea. Unexplained diarrhea and constipation can also point to diabetic neuropathy. 70% of patients with diabetic neuropathy lose a lot of weight because of their gastrointestinal issues. Several animal studies observed the gastrointestinal systems of rats with diabetic neuropathy and found unfortunate effects of nerve damage in the tissues of the stomach and intestines.
Gastrointestinal issues often surface towards the progression of the disease. This is why catching the earliest signs of gastrointestinal problems is crucial for patients with severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.
