Diabetic Diarrhea

Diabetic gastroenteropathy is a common chronic digestive complication of diabetes. It is associated with autonomic dysfunction affecting the viscera and can involve any part of the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. Conditions include esophageal syndromes, diabetic gastroparesis, diarrhea or fecal incontinence associated with diabetes, and diabetic constipation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diabetic gastroenteropathy falls within categories such as “glomus and fullness,” “vomiting,” “constipation,” and “diarrhea.”

TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Diarrhea and abdominal pain that occur or worsen with emotional distress and ease after a bowel movement; distention and tightness in the chest and flanks, belching, poor appetite, a light-red tongue with a thin white coating, and a wiry pulse.

In plain language:

  • Diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and discomfort, with a distended, aching abdomen during episodes.
  • Symptoms may begin or worsen when feeling low or under stress, suggesting a clear association with emotional state.
  • Abdominal pain may ease somewhat after diarrhea, with discomfort gradually settling afterward.
  • A feeling of distention and tightness in the chest and along the flanks.
  • Belching, with gas rising into the mouth that may be difficult to control.
  • Poor appetite and little desire to eat, even when food is available.
  • The tongue appears somewhat pale with a reddish tint.
  • The tongue coating is thin and white, rather than thick or greasy.
  • The pulse feels taut and firm under pressure, like a drawn string, rather than soft.

|Treatment approach

Clinical description:

Suppress the Liver and support the Spleen.

In plain language:

  • Moderate an overactive Liver response so that emotions and qi are not excessively tense or agitated.
  • Support the Spleen’s transforming and transporting functions, helping the body process food more effectively.

|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 physician or pharmacist.

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Stools that are loose at times and diarrheal at others; symptoms triggered or worsened by even minor dietary indiscretion; abdominal distention and a sensation of fullness after eating, poor appetite, fatigue and weakness, cool extremities, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a fine, weak pulse.

In plain language:

  • Stools are sometimes soft and loose and at other times diarrheal, with bowel habits that fluctuate.
  • Even a minor dietary indiscretion may trigger symptoms or make them noticeably worse.
  • The abdomen may feel swollen and distended after eating.
  • There may be a persistent feeling of fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen, as if something is obstructing it.
  • Appetite may be noticeably reduced, with little desire to eat.
  • General fatigue and weakness; even brief activity may leave you feeling tired.
  • The hands and feet may remain cool or feel cold to the touch.
  • Shortness of breath and a weak voice may make you reluctant to speak.
  • The tongue appears pale, with a white coating.
  • The pulse feels fine and weak, with reduced force under pressure.

|Treatment approach

Clinical description:

Strengthen the Spleen and boost qi; raise the clear and direct the turbid downward.

In plain language:

  • Support the Spleen’s transforming and transporting function and replenish qi to help restore strength.
  • In TCM terms, raise the clear to nourish the brain and eyes, and direct the turbid downward to help relieve fatigue and a sticky feeling in the mouth.

|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 physician or pharmacist.

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Long-standing diabetes; pain around the navel and abdomen before dawn or painless diarrhea; bowel sounds followed by diarrhea, with undigested food in the stool and possible fecal incontinence. May be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, weight loss, sensitivity to cold, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a deep, fine, weak pulse.

In plain language:

  • Long-standing diabetes; pain around the navel and abdomen before dawn or painless diarrhea; bowel sounds followed by diarrhea, with undigested food in the stool and possible fecal incontinence. May be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, weight loss, sensitivity to cold, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a deep, fine, weak pulse.

|Treatment approach

Clinical description:

Strengthen the Spleen, warm the Kidney, and stop diarrhea.

In plain language:

  • Support the Spleen’s transforming and transporting function and warm and support Kidney yang, according to TCM theory.
  • Help relieve diarrhea, with the aim of making stools more formed and reducing their frequency.

|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 physician or pharmacist.

Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang

References

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