juvenile diabetes and stomach problems

[angelica08]

My daughter was recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in early february. she had been experiencing  constipation for a short while before being diagnosed, then it subsided and she had no problem going to the bathroom. however, since she's been home from the hospital since the 12th of february, she's had constipation, emptying herself about once to twice a week (but not very much), strange twitching in her stomach, loud gurgling noises, bloating and very small amounts of pain about once a week. I don't know what's causing this and would like to find out. i couldn't schedule a visit to the doctor until the ending of may and i'm worried something might happen before then.
                                                                        thank you, concerned mother

[JDRF-VOL-RL]

Hello.  I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis.  I'm not a medical professional, just the parent of a kid with diabetes, just like you.  It is usually early for an endocrinologist to order this test, but your daughter's symptoms sound a lot like celiac disease.  Celiac is a gluten intolerance, and it can cause constipation and stomach pains because the body cannot digest the gluten.  The test for this is a simple blood draw, and isn't usually done until a year into diagnosis, but I would get something scheduled as soon as possible to get that blood drawn.  It shouldn't require any doctor visit, just lab work, so it should be easier to schedule.  Good luck.

[supermomx3]

it sounds like you're dealing with a lot!  i would definitely talk to your child's endocrin doctor about the symptoms first, then try your regular peds doc if they think it's not related.  my daughter was diagnosed at age 2, 4 years ago, and i can't say that i've heard of that kind of intestinal issue in relation to diabetes.  high blood sugar will cause stomach problems but they should be situational and short-lived.  what you're describing sounds very gastro to me.  

since the onset is so new, maybe there are yeast issues from blood sugars staying high before diagnosis.  excess yeast can be the culprit of many gi symptoms, but is not a widely accepted problem in the medical field, outside of an obvious external infection.  you may have to research that online and go with your gut.  does she have anything else to make you think it could be that?  rashes in warm areas, oddly bad breath?  they, along with gi issues,  are hallmark symptoms of internal yeast overgrowth.  just a thought.

best of luck -- it gets easier!!  :)

[annev]

Hi,  I am a parent of a juvenile diabetic and he too had stomach problems just after being diagnosed with this disease.  I continued to ask his gastro dr. and finally he was diagnosed with CELIAC disease.  It is a gluten allergy that effects the small intestines so that nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body.  There are many gluten free products available to you today. It is important to see if this is what your daughter has because untreated can create other illnesses in the future.  Follow up with your dr and have the blood test done.  It will either confirm or exclude this disease for your daughter.  I wish you well and there are great foods out there to keep her satisfied.  Good Luck.