Diabetes and Constipation

 Written by: Muahammad Nasir Sirat

According to the information provided by the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, about 5.8% of the population of this country are at risk of diabetes. This disease can delay gastric emptying and cause constipation.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and a physician about this disease.

Gulghotai, a resident of Qalai-e-Khatir, Bibi-Mahro, district 10, Kabul city says, “I am suffering from diabetes and constipation. When I go to the toilet, I face nausea; I cannot eat food; I am also suffering from headaches and could do my house chores.”

Torkhan, a resident of Paktia province says, “I am suffering from diabetes and when I go to the toilet, I face trouble due to having constipation and I lose my weight too.”

Dr. Hasibollah Mohammadi, internist and head of the diabetes department, Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul city says, “diabetic patients might face some problems, one of these problems is constipation. when they suffer from diabetes, they might have heartburn, vomiting, difficulty in eating, problems with digestion, and stomach reflex. If they do not pay attention to constipation, they might face serious problems, especially abdominal enlargement, anorexia, shortness of breath and….”

What do some people think about the causes of constipation in diabetics?

Rahmatullah, a resident of Laghman province says, “Some diabetic patients who also suffer from constipation, they do not care about their foods; they do not drink enough water and nor eat vegetables, instead they eat beef and beans.”

Nahida from Parwan province says, “In the beginning, I was suffering from diabetes and I was eating any kind foods like meat, beans and so on. I was avoiding vegetables and water and these caused me constipation.”

Doctor Muhammadi says: “The reason why diabetics suffer from constipation more compared to others is that when a problem is found in their nervous system, the intestines do not do their job properly, bowel movements are reduced. If the patient consumes meat continuously, does not drink liquids, does not have physical exercises, and the use of some spices and medicines could cause constipation.”

How do people treat this disease?

 Bahram Totalkhel, a resident of Kabul city says, “My wife is suffering from diabetes. I suggest to her to drink liquids and avoids spicy and fried foods. She takes her medicines according to the advice of the doctor. There is a park near our house she goes to that park every day and has physical exercises for an hour daily. Her diabetes range is normal  and she has not suffered from constipation yet.”

Dr. Hasibollah Mohammadi says, “These patients should avoid sweets and have an appropriate diet. It is better to eat bread instead of rice. Eating vegetables with green leaves is very useful for these patients. They should drink more liquids and take their medicines according to the advice of the doctor.”