Diabetic Constipation

Diabetic gastroenteropathy is a common chronic digestive complication of diabetes caused by dysfunction of the visceral autonomic nervous system. It can affect any part of the digestive tract from the esophagus to the rectum, and includes esophageal syndromes, diabetic gastroparesis, diarrhea or fecal incontinence associated with diabetes, and diabetic constipation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diabetic gastroenteropathy falls within the categories of “glomus and fullness,” “vomiting,” “constipation,” and “diarrhea.”

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Dry, hard stools; abdominal distension and pain; facial flushing and a sensation of heat; dry mouth and bad breath; restlessness; scant, dark-yellow urine; a red tongue with a yellow coating; and a slippery, rapid pulse.

In plain language:

  • Stools are dry and hard to pass; bowel movements may be difficult and painful.
  • The abdomen feels full and distended, with pain that significantly interferes with daily activities.
  • The face may look flushed, and the body may feel hot and uncomfortable.
  • The mouth feels dry, with a frequent desire to drink, and the breath may smell unpleasant.
  • Feeling irritable and restless, with difficulty staying calm.
  • Urine is scant and yellowish-red in color.
  • The tongue appears red, with a yellow coating.
  • The pulse feels smooth and flowing, and is relatively fast, often over 90 beats per minute at rest.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Clear heat and resolve stagnation; moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements.

In plain language:

  • Help clear accumulated heat from the body and reduce the sensation of internal heat.
  • Moisten the intestines and help relieve stagnation so that bowel movements are easier.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Dry, hard stools resembling sheep droppings; a thin build; dizziness and tinnitus; night sweats and flushed cheeks; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; insomnia and vivid dreams; a red tongue with little coating; and a thin, rapid pulse.

In plain language:

  • Stools are dry and hard, passing as small, pellet-like pieces.
  • A thin build, with gradual weight loss.
  • Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness, often accompanied by tinnitus.
  • Night sweats and persistent flushing over the cheeks.
  • Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, with reduced strength.
  • Poor sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent dreams.
  • The tongue appears red, with very little coating.
  • The pulse feels thin and relatively fast, often over 90 beats per minute at rest.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Tonify qi and nourish yin; moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements.

In plain language:

  • Support qi and nourish yin to help restore strength and balance.
  • Moisten the intestines and support bowel movements to help stools pass more easily.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

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