There are two main conditions that link diabetes and vomiting. The first is gastroparesis, due to neuropathy, when the stomach does not empty itself properly. This results from nerve damage, leading to “broken signals” to and from the brain. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for those with diabetes. Vomiting (or nausea) can also occur when the body’s blood sugar level becomes too low (hyperglycemia) or too high (hypoglycemia), due to an imbalance of sugar and insulin. Besides these causes due to diabetes, vomiting brought on by a cold or flu can lead to serious problems for diabetics, and should therefore be monitored closely.
Vomiting in Diabetes, and Ketoacidosis
People who suffer from diabetes and vomiting should pay careful attention, as vomiting that lasts for more than a few hours can indicate a very serious condition such as ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening. For this reason, if your feelings of nausea or vomiting continue, consult your doctor immediately.
Vomiting, Diabetes, and Home Remedies
For those with diabetes and vomiting, there are recommendations to help relieve the problem. You should let your intestines rest by only drinking clear liquids – water, diluted tea, clear broth, and fruit juices, frequently and in small amounts (a few tablespoons). Although these are believed to help with the vomiting, diabetes patients should not drink anything that has added sugar. It is also advised not to consume sports drinks that contain carbohydrates. Avoid milk and dairy products, coffee, alcohol and citrus juices, as they might irritate your stomach. Medicines such as Dramamine or Pepto-Bismol should be used as a last resort, as they may have serious side effects. Your nausea and vomiting may also cause a depletion of minerals that your body requires. If you can hold down clear liquids, it is recommended that you add table salt and salt substitute, which will help replenish essential electrolytes – sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Vomiting and Diabetes: If All Else Fails…
In some cases, vomiting in diabetes patients can become so severe, that it isn’t even possible to keep down medication, and there’s a question of how much insulin one should take when not eating. This must be monitored closely. In the case of vomiting and diabetes medication, you should continue to take your usual morning and bedtime doses, and hold off on doses taken at mealtime, while you are not eating solid foods. In cases of severe vomiting with diabetes, Tigan suppositories might help suppress the vomiting. Large doses may cause side effects, so if it doesn’t work within an hour, consult your doctor before using it again. Diabetes and vomiting (with accompanying dehydration) is a serious situation which may require hospitalization for closer monitoring and to receive intravenous fluid, if necessary. Your doctor can advise you when this is your best option.
