Ibs & Diabetes

[Bugsmum12]

Hello, I've been diabetic for 16yrs & have been able to manage my my diabetes with metformin & a vegetarian diet. My ibs started with occassional spontaineous diarrhea about 4 yrs ago. I now also have many food intollerances. Has any one any advise for me. My Diabetic nurse wants to up my medication. I would prefer to work on getting a better balance in my diet but it's really tough.

[Luisa22]

Metformin is a bit of a bad boy for causing diarrhea. Look it up. I am not suggesting you don't take it though but you could talk to your doctor maybe?

[CB21 in reply to Luisa22]

Try a new medication & see if it helps , calmed mine down a lot

[Bugsmum12 in reply to CB21]

I'm going to chat to my Doctor Thank you

[Kulbir108 in reply to Luisa22]

I use Berberine instead of metformin does the same w/o side effects

[Rosills1]

Why not look at low carb programs?Diabetes.co.uk and diet doctor are good resources as is the freshwell app.

Google Dr David Unwin and listen to him, he is inspirational.

Good luck!

[Bugsmum12 in reply to Rosills1]

Thank you. I do seek advice from Diabetes UK, & I'm guilty of reaching for bread ( Daily baked not factory produced) when everything seems to be reacting with me, just to not feel hungry. I've noted your suggestions and will have a look asap

[Bugsmum12 in reply to Rosills1]

I've had a look at Dr David Unwin, really interesting, & a joy to see a GP investing in his patients. It's inspired me to look at a low carb diet, thank you for pointing me in his direction

[xjrs]

Have you tried Alflorex probiotic which has been scientifically studied for IBS? It has made more more tolerant to a much wider range of foods and could help your IBS-D.

I was just reading this, this morning regarding Bifdobacterium (which Alflorex contains) and it suggests that people with diabetes have lower levels of Bifdobacterium in their intestines:

healthline.com/nutrition/wh...

[Bugsmum12]

I tried a probiotic, not Alflorex & I did not know about Bifdobacterium. Thank you definately have a look at both.

[Kulbir108]

I use Berberine …. Same as met for min w/o the side affects and also Maringa !!!

[Bugsmum12 in reply to Kulbir108]

Thanks, I'll have a look at that

[PurpleLBH]

I wasn’t able to take regular metformin because of my IBS. My doc switched me to the extended release (ER) version, and it was much better.

[Bugsmum12 in reply to PurpleLBH]

Thanks , I'll ask if that will help me

[Vivb56]

my partner suffered the same to the extent it affected our lives for years (not wanting to go out just in case) and after a determined conversation with GP, who denied long term metformin use link to bowel issues, agreed to change medication. Within a week my partner had his life back!!! And it continues to be so

[Ragbaby88]

metformin almost ruined my life. Severe diarrhea out of nowhere. Now I’m told I have IBS. I got off the metformin and now take something else. Still get diarrhea but I can at least leave my home now…

[learning2me]

I have just had a similar conversation with my GP. Been taking Metformin for many years and diarrhoea has been getting worse, yet sporadic. After a week of not being able to leave the house, my new GP (moved house recently) has stopped the Metformin for a few days and reduced my Omeprazole. Fingers crossed this helps.