Relief of gastrointestinal symptoms by correcting insulin excess

Diabetes Care. 1981 Mar-Apr;4(2):296-8. doi: 10.2337/diacare.4.2.296.

Abstract

Persons with diabetes mellitus often have disordered gastrointestinal function, usually attributed to autonomic neuropathy. Hypoglycemia in persons taking insulin has been considered a possible result of anorexia and gastric atony, but not a potential cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. Three patients with diabetes developing before age 30 yr and of long duration had severe gastrointestinal complaints for 1-9 mo, with symptoms suggesting nocturnal hypoglycemia. All recovered rapidly with no specific treatment other than reduction of insulin doses. Studies identified no gastrointestinal pathology. These patients may represent a subgroup of persons with diabetic enteropathy, in whom recurrent hypoglycemia provokes a reversible derangement of gut function with accompanying symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced
  • Insulin / adverse effects*
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Insulin