diabetes & diarrehia

[Mati777]

I take metformin 500mg twice a day & Januvia 100mg at bedtime.  I was diagnosed type 2, about month & half ago. I take multivitiamins during day. At bedtime I take the min amount of magnesium & potassium (for night leg cramps) & aloe vera in a half glass of protien shake.  For days now, I have had diarrehia.  My morning fastings numbers are 95-110, now, for days, but now my day numbers have jumped to 135-138, just today, after having diarrehia for a few days.  Usually my glucose numbers are 90-120 during the day.  Do you have any ideas as to what could have or has happened to me.    

[MLWTR]

You might consider stopping the aloe. It has no health benefits taken orally, and can definitely cause diarrhea (aloe used to be used as an ingredient in laxatives).

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hello,
The diarrhea could be a side effect from the Metformin, which is quite common. Alternatively, it could be a viral illness, which would also explain your higher glucose numbers. If it continues past a week, I suggest speaking to your doctor about possible side effects form the medication, or work-up of GI illnesses that are sometimes more common in people with diabetes. In the meantime try to stay hydrated and stay with bland foods.
Take care.