What Causes Severe Constipation In A Diabetic?

Posted on Sun, 25 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 Answered on

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife is having trouble with a bowel movement - when she pushes, there is only the pressure. The straining begins to make her nauseous (sp?) and weak. She has tried lubricating the anal opening with Vaseline. She keeps feeling she has to go - but the it almost knocks her out and she has to lay down. The last BM was yesterday and seemed to be fine. She is also diabetic. She's wondering if a stool softener would work? or should i take her to ER?

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Supportive care

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Pressure feeling and no bowel movement with last episode yesterday with history fo diabetes is likely a declined bowel function leading to constipation. I would suggest Laxatives, bulk stool softeners, adequate fluid intake and if still not helpful glycerine suppositories and enema with future diet lifestyle adjustments . For now i don't see any reason to rush for ER, but if bowel movements don't come for next 48 hours, then do take her as by then stools may get hard and may need manual evacuation. Till then supportive care with laxatives would work.

I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar