Diarrhea involves frequent, loose bowel movements, while blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s primary energy source. Glucose levels are carefully regulated by various bodily systems. This article explores how episodes of diarrhea can impact blood sugar levels and the circumstances under which this common digestive issue might contribute to a drop in glucose.
The Relationship Between Diarrhea and Blood Sugar Levels
Diarrhea does not directly cause low blood sugar in generally healthy individuals. However, it can indirectly influence blood glucose stability, particularly under certain physiological conditions. This indirect effect arises from the body’s response to illness and altered nutrient processing. Prolonged diarrhea can disrupt the body’s usual mechanisms for maintaining balanced blood sugar.
How Diarrhea Can Lead to Low Blood Sugar
Diarrhea can lead to lower blood sugar through several physiological pathways. The rapid transit of food through the digestive system can reduce the time available for carbohydrate absorption. This means less glucose enters the bloodstream from consumed meals.
Illness often results in a decreased appetite, leading to reduced food and carbohydrate intake. Fewer carbohydrates mean less glucose is available, leading to a decline in blood sugar. Maintaining consistent caloric intake is challenging during illness.
Severe fluid loss from diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Although dehydration can sometimes concentrate blood sugar, the stress from fluid and electrolyte loss can impair the body’s ability to regulate glucose effectively. This disruption increases the risk of low blood sugar, especially when combined with other factors.
Certain medications, especially those for diabetes like insulin or sulfonylureas, can lower blood sugar. If a person taking these medications experiences diarrhea, their body’s glucose absorption might be compromised, potentially leading to an amplified blood sugar-lowering effect.
Recognizing and Responding to Low Blood Sugar
Recognizing the signs of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is important for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
Shakiness
Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness
Confusion
Hunger
Irritability
Pale skin
Blurred vision
In more severe instances, an individual might experience seizures or lose consciousness. Some people, particularly those with diabetes, may develop “hypoglycemia unawareness,” where they no longer experience the usual warning signs, increasing their risk of severe episodes.
If low blood sugar is suspected and the individual is conscious, immediate action involves consuming 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Examples include half a cup of fruit juice or regular soda, glucose tablets, or a few pieces of hard candy. Recheck blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If they remain below the target range, repeat the process until levels normalize. Once blood sugar is stable, consuming a snack with protein and longer-acting carbohydrates can help prevent another drop.
Medical attention should be sought immediately if:
Symptoms are severe, such as unconsciousness or seizures.
Blood sugar does not respond to treatment.
Episodes of low blood sugar occur frequently without a clear cause, especially in individuals without diabetes.
Who is Most Vulnerable?
Certain populations face a higher risk of experiencing low blood sugar during or after bouts of diarrhea. Individuals with diabetes, particularly those using insulin or specific oral medications like sulfonylureas, are especially susceptible. Diarrhea can also be a complication of diabetes, further increasing vulnerability.
Other vulnerable groups include:
Young children and infants, due to their smaller body mass and less developed blood sugar regulation systems, making them quickly lose fluids and nutrients.
Older adults, often having underlying health conditions or taking multiple medications that affect blood sugar balance.
People with chronic malabsorption conditions, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, who already struggle with nutrient absorption.
Individuals who have undergone certain gastrointestinal surgeries, like bariatric surgery, which can lead to rapid food transit and reactive low blood sugar (dumping syndrome).