All,
Is there a connection between diabetes and constipation? I've been suffering from constipation and my sister did a home blood sugar test that was high.
I haven't been diagnosed with any form of diabetes at this point.

My system has been all messed up due to stress from "ear ringing" and hip replacement pain. I know depression can mimic many different things but I need to go in for a proper diagnosis.

I was just curious if anyone had a continuing constipation problem?

If so, when levels get back in check does the problem go away?

Do any diabetes meds help with this problem?

Hip replacement pain. Are you on any pain killers like Vicodin? If so, that may be the cause of the problem.

Please see your doc asap, you shouldn't have to suffer with these types of things.

If you are on any painkillers from that surgery, that would most likely be the culprit. That said, I can tell you that i had sporadic episodes of constipation before I was DX with type 1 diabetes. Had no more problems after I was put on insulin.

Thanks so much for the responses.
I was on Vicodin for a while but I'm off it now. The GI doc wanted to do a colonoscopy but I declined to go through all the ruling out tests.
They tell me not much can be done for the ear ringing.

My sister has a tester, I guess I need to check my blood sugar levels before dinner.

What is the difference in how the Dr. checks and self testers??

I've read some symptoms the only one I have is urinating pretty often.
After I drink a glass of water I go. Any other symptoms to look for??

I had very bad constipation before I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since I have my BG levels under control, the constipation has gotten much better, only a small problem now.
I couldn't figure out why I was always so constipated and the only thing that helped was milk of magnesia.
But it can be caused by other things as well. It would be best to get a full check-up. Don't let your health go.

Thanks..
How did you get your BG's under control?

5 mgs. daily Glucotrol did it for me and I'm really doing well. Of course I am pretty strict with my diet too. No carbs in the morning, not much pasta, no white bread, limited fruit except when my sugar levels are down. My eyes were affected by the diabetes, so it made me wake up in a hurry.

i have suffered from chronic constipation ever since i was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. that was 6 years ago. i am having a colonoscoy next week to check it out.i am on oral diabetic meds that seem to have the opposite effect on others. i used to use milk of magnesia but i am now taking metamucil 2x a day and it is helping.

p

Constipation can be caused by an array of reasons. Are you drinking enough water? Do you handle your stress poorly? How much fiber is in your diet? Metamucil is effective with short bouts of constipation and helps with regularity. But it will not cure what is causing you to be chronically constipated.

It's interesting that "ear ringing" is mentioned. I have been suffering from tinnitis since mid January, and was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II at the end of January. The ear ringing is constant, does not go away. I asked the ear, nose, and throat doctor if it could be associated with the diabetes, and he said no. He wants to have me do an MRI to rule out a specific type of brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma. Along with the tinnitis, I have moderate hearing loss.
And yes, I have found that since I am on a very very low carb diet, I have been suffering from constipation. My endocrinologist has been on a diet whereby I cannot have carbs such as baked goods, breads, cereals, pasta, or rice. My carbs come from fruit and veggies. I do cheat and have a slice of low carb whole grain bread a few times a week though. My A1C has come down from a diagnosis in January of 8.3 to 5.9 a few weeks ago, so I guess I will live with the constipation and take fiberall. I'm controlling with just diet and exercse, and have lost 40 lbs with 50 more to go. My biggest problem is the ear ringing. It drives me insane, and I have to take tranquilizers to get to sleep. Marlene

My biggest problem is the ear ringing. It drives me insane, and I have to take tranquilizers to get to sleep. Marlene
I can relate to that! I have had a ringing in my ears for several years now that is so loud that I can't be anywhere quiet. I can't ever turn the TV off and try to sleep in a quiet room because it just seems to get louder and louder. It does tend to drive you out of you mind at times. I would sure like to be reminded of what it was like to have quiet inside my head.
I signed up here because of diabetes problems my husband has, such as BS levels of between 350 and "off the chart" (over 600) with a daily average of 450 since he was diagnosed almost walking dead, three years ago. He has been on Glucophage with Glucotrol or Glipizide and then Glucophage with Glyburide along with 80cc Novulin twice a day for almost 2 years and it has never gotten in control.
Have had to take him to emergency 5 times when it got really bad.
And I will get back to that, but for now just wanted to agree on the ear ringing thing.