Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Indeed, bloating will often be experienced after a big weekend or over the festive season. If you are experiencing persistent bloating, it may be caused by a digestive problem or issues with your diet, or in some cases can be a sign of a more serious condition. Moreover, if you have diabetes it is advisable to pay special attention to bloating, according to several health sites.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that high blood sugar can lead to gastroparesis, a condition that affects how you digest your food.
Gastroparesis is a long-term condition where the stomach cannot empty in the normal way.
The NHS says that complications include unpredictable blood sugar levels, which is a particular risk in people with diabetes.
As well as bloating, symptoms include feeling full very quickly when eating, feeling sick and vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
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The CDC says nausea, heartburn, or bloating can have many causes, “but for people with diabetes, these common digestion issues shouldn’t be ignored.”
It emphasises that this is because high blood sugar can lead to gastroparesis.
The Mayo Clinic says that although gastroparesis doesn’t cause diabetes, frequent changes in the rate and amount of food passing into the small bowel can cause “erratic changes” in blood sugar levels.
It states: “These variations in blood sugar make diabetes worse. In turn, poor control of blood sugar levels makes gastroparesis worse.”
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Hyperglycaemia is the medical term for a high blood sugar level, and is a common problem for people with diabetes.
The NHS says: “Symptoms of hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes tend to develop slowly over a few days or weeks.
“In some cases, there may be no symptoms until the blood sugar level is very high.”
It notes: “If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and have symptoms of hyperglycaemia, follow the advice your care team has given you to reduce your blood sugar level.”
According to the NHS, cutting down on foods known to cause wind and bloating may help to alleviate bloating.
If your tummy often feels bloated, it could be due to:
- Excess farting
- Constipation
- Swallowing air (from talking while eating etc)
- Food intolerance
- Coeliac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
If your bloating is persistent you should go to see a GP. One of the most worrisome causes is ovarian cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
Sometimes constipation can cause bloating. The NHS says that if you get constipation, take steps to prevent it by adding more fibre to your diet, drinking lots of fluids and exercising regularly.
“Even a 20 to 30 minute brisk walk four times a week can improve your bowel function,” it adds.
Without fluid, the fibre cannot do its job and you can get constipation.
The NHS notes: “It’s important to keep drinking, especially water. It encourages the passage of waste through your digestive system and helps soften poo.”
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