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What Causes Diarrhea And Mild Headache In A Diabetic?

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Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017
Question: I have diarrehia, a mild headache, general feeling of blah and sleep 12-15 hours a day. I am diabetic and have had a fem to fem bypass (pvd) This has been going on intermitantly for a year of two. I had a colonoscopy recently it was negative. I take metformin HCL 500 X 4 daily. I also am being to suspect gluten intolerance. I live in the high rocky mtns. and there are no internists available. I still run a business and can't ggo on like this, any practical suggestions?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
may be linked to metformin, may need to change the type to slow release

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible that the symptoms may be linked somewhat to the metformin even if you were using it a while before the symptoms started

Metformin is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and persistent diarrhea can cause electrolyte disturbances that can cause fatigue and malaise (not feeling up to scratch)

There are different types of metformin, the type that is released immediately into the system and the slow release type.
You are on the immediate release, this however is normally given at maximum three times a day.

If metformin can cause these symptoms in some persons at 3 times a day, then it can definitely do it at 4 times a day.

You may want to consider the slow release metformin (metformin xr) , this is given only once a day and it releases slowly into the body therefore causing less side effects.

Probiotics may also help to stabilize the bowel as well

You can consider a food diary for 1 to 3 weeks to investigate gluten intolerance, note the food/drinks use and your response.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Diarrhea And Mild Headache In A Diabetic?

Brief Answer: may be linked to metformin, may need to change the type to slow release Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible that the symptoms may be linked somewhat to the metformin even if you were using it a while before the symptoms started Metformin is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and persistent diarrhea can cause electrolyte disturbances that can cause fatigue and malaise (not feeling up to scratch) There are different types of metformin, the type that is released immediately into the system and the slow release type. You are on the immediate release, this however is normally given at maximum three times a day. If metformin can cause these symptoms in some persons at 3 times a day, then it can definitely do it at 4 times a day. You may want to consider the slow release metformin (metformin xr) , this is given only once a day and it releases slowly into the body therefore causing less side effects. Probiotics may also help to stabilize the bowel as well You can consider a food diary for 1 to 3 weeks to investigate gluten intolerance, note the food/drinks use and your response. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions