Diabetes Mellitus
Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management III- 28 Copyright © 2013 Compass Group, Inc.
Approaches: The following approaches should be used for diabetic patients with constipation.
To determine the cause of constipation, assess the patient’s fluid intake and the insoluble fiber content of
the patient’s diet. Also, assess the physical activity level and general physical and mental well-being of the
patient.
Review the patient’s list of medications (prescription and nonprescription) for medicines that cause
constipation. Note a history of laxative use (frequency and duration).
Consider recommending a formal evaluation if constipation is potentially secondary to other
endocrinologic, neurologic, or gastrointestinal disorders.
If laxatives are recommended, carefully consider which type to recommend. Refer to the paper by Haines for
a discussion of treating constipation in patients with diabetes (5).
References
- Gastroparesis in diabetes mellitus. In: Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Updated annually. Available at:
http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed February 5, 2013. - Camilleri M. Diabetic gastroparesis. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:820-829.
- Pharmacotherapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In: Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Updated annually.
Available at: http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed February 5, 2013. - National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Gastroparesis. Available at: http:www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov. Accessed
December 12, 2008. - Haines S. Treating constipation in the patient with diabetes. Diabetes Educ. 1995;21:223-232.