10. You may have abdominal pain or gastrointestinal issues
Conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system are common in people with high blood sugar levels or diabetes. The length of time the blood sugar levels are raised and how high they are can take a toll on your GI tract.
A common ailment associated with high blood sugar levels is called gastroparesis. This is characterized by a delayed stomach’s ability to empty its contents. Sustained high blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve. This nerve is important as it assists with the regulation of the whole digestive system. When the vagus nerve is damaged, the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract cannot work properly. This results in food not being pumped through the digestive system. Instead, it stays behind, and its movement is delayed. Gastroparesis symptoms include heartburn (indigestion), vomiting food that is undigested, bloating of the stomach area, and unexplained weight loss.
The food that lies in the stomach for protracted time periods is dangerous in that bacteria can start to grow. The food can also form solid lumps. These lumps can cause a blockage in the digestive system. The food cannot enter and move through the small intestine. This can cause intense abdominal cramping. When the food finally moves into the small intestine, it causes a spike in blood sugar levels. If these are already high, another boost can cause severe damage or illness.
The best way to deal with a condition such as gastroparesis brought on by high blood sugar levels is to eat a healthy diet and exercise. These approaches lower your blood sugar. Consider eating up to six small meals a day instead of three big ones. This allows your digestive system to process smaller amounts of food at a time.