Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce
or is unable to use the hormone insulin properly. The pancreas
produces insulin, which helps the body use sugar (glucose) from
foods. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or if the
body cannot use the insulin properly, blood sugar levels rise
and the body cannot use foods effectively. High blood sugar
levels are harmful to many body tissues. Constipation is the
most common gastrointestinal problem of people with diabetes.
Diarrhea that occurs at night is also common. The nerves of the
intestines control how long solid food waste remains in the
intestines. If these nerves have been damaged by high blood
sugar levels, food and waste products may move through the
intestines too slowly, causing constipation or too quickly,
causing diarrhea. Damage to the intestinal nerves usually does
not occur unless you have had type 1 diabetes that requires
treatment with insulin for many years. If you have diabetes,
discuss any problems that you are hav