Does Diabetes Pave Way For Other Chronic Diseases?
June 2, 2021Warning Signs That Indicate You Are Diabetic
June 2, 2021Can diabetes cause nausea? It is a frequently asked question, and the answer is yes. Feeling nauseous all the time is a common symptom of diabetes and may require immediate medical attention. The feeling of nausea can last for a short span or can also go on for several hours at a stretch. No matter how long the duration is, if you feel uncomfortable, you must seek your doctor’s assistance. Here are some of the primary causation of nausea in diabetics.
What Causes Nausea In Diabetics?
When defined broadly there can be 5 major reasons why diabetics feel more nauseous as compared to individuals without diabetes.
Diabetic Medications:
Common injectable medicines prescribed to diabetics, which are responsible for managing diabetes-like Symlin (pramlintide) Victoza (liraglutide), and Byetta (exenatide), increases the risk of nausea. There is substantial evidence that nausea associated with these medications is temporary and can go away by limiting the dose or following the doctor’s advice.
Hypoglycemia Or Hyperglycemia:
Both hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels) are conditions that are a byproduct of diabetes and are major factors promoting nausea and dizziness. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and taking insulin supplements as prescribed by the doctor can help in maintaining blood glucose levels.
Symptoms Of Hypo-Hyperglycemia
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Coma
Preventing Hypo-Hyperglycemia
- Follow your diabetes meal plan
- Timely monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking medications as prescribed by the doctor
- Exercise
- Keep yourself hydrated
Diabetic Ketoacidosis:
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar level is high and insulin level is low. This imbalance in the body leads to the build-up of ketones which are toxic when left untreated and can lead to complications. It mostly affects individuals with type 1 diabetes but can also affect type 2, diabetes patients.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- A fruity odour on the breath
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
Preventing Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Test urine for ketones
- Consume electrolytes and stay hydrated
Gastroparesis:
Gastroparesis is a common condition among diabetics where the stomach is unable to clear properly while eating, and the undigested food leads to nausea. In gastroparesis the contractions in the stomach that are responsible for sending food from the stomach to the duodenum becomes weak. This leads to retaining partially digested food in the stomach, which delays gastric emptying and cause nausea. Gastroparesis is caused by having uncontrolled blood sugars in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms Of Gastroparesis
- Nausea
- Change in blood sugar levels
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Pain in the stomach
- Decreased appetite
- Heartburn
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
Preventing Gastroparesis
- Walking after meal to support digestion
- Eat several meals in a day
- Manage insulin intake and follow doctor’s advice
Pancreatitis:
Diabetic patients who have disturbed blood sugar levels are prone to pancreatitis. It is a condition that causes inflammation in the pancreas, the gland which is responsible for producing insulin. Nausea accompanies pancreatitis and when left untreated can lead to further complications.
Symptoms Of Pancreatitis
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated triglyceride levels
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Preventing Pancreatitis
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quitting tobacco
The Last Word:
For diabetics feeling nauseous often can be a sign of something serious. Inquiring about the causes and preventing the side effect will help in controlling and managing diabetes.