Older people with diabetes often face constipation problems, which not only affect their quality of life, but may also exacerbate the complications of diabetes. Understanding the causes of constipation and coping strategies is essential for older people with diabetes.
1. Dietary factors: The diet of older diabetics tends to favour high protein and fat foods, while vegetables, fruit and cellulose are under-ingestion. Such dietary habits result in reduced internal moisture in the intestinal tract, which is dry and difficult to remove. In addition, some patients deliberately evaded fruit for fear of increased blood sugar, further reducing dietary fibre intake. 2. Drug factors: Insulin and sugar-relief drugs commonly used in diabetes treatment, if not taken on time or at inappropriate doses, may cause blood sugar fluctuations and affect intestinal nervous functions. When the blood sugar is too low, intestinal neurofunctional disorders affect defecation. 3. Illness factor: Neural complications of diabetes, especially autonomous neuroses, are important causes of constipation. When a diabetic neurosis develops to cause sexual irreversible neuropsychiatric damage, the patient may have neurodecency. In addition, cerebrovascular diseases, colon diseases, etc. may lead to impotence and increase constipation. 4. Reduced activity: Older diabetics tend to experience reduced activity, long bed rest or lack of exercise, leading to weak abdominal contraction, slow intestinal creeping and increased incidence of constipation. 1. Adapting diets: Increased intake of dietary fibres is an effective way to mitigate constipation. It is recommended that older diabetics eat more vegetables, fruits, such as flamingo, chrysanthemum, celery, celery, spinach, etc., which are rich in vitamins and cellulose and which help to promote intestinal creeping. At the same time, maintaining sufficient water intake and drinking at least eight cups of water per day (approximately 2 litres) helps to soften poop and reduce the incidence of constipation. 2. Appropriate exercise: Appropriate exercise can stimulate intestinal creeping and improve constipation. Older diabetics can choose low- and medium-intensity aerobics, such as walking, jogging and so on, for about 30 minutes per day. The appropriate mode and strength of exercise shall be chosen on the basis of the physical condition and the doctor ‘ s advice. 3. Control of blood sugar: Poor blood sugar control may aggravate constipation symptoms. Older diabetics should regularly monitor blood sugar, in order to comply with medical instructions to take sugar-reducing drugs on time and at the same time, and to avoid excessive fluctuations in blood sugar. 4. Establishment of good defecation habits: Encourage older diabetics to defecate on a regular basis every day and try to do so in the morning after getting up or after eating. This helps to create regular defecation habits and reduces the incidence of constipation. 5. Drug treatment: In the absence of a significant improvement in constipation, portable drugs may be used under the supervision of a doctor. These drugs, such as lactose oral solutions, polyethanol, can increase moisture in excreta, soften defecation and promote defecation. It needs to be noted, however, that the use of drugs should be based on medical advice, avoiding self-use and dependence. Other methods: abdominal massage, heat dressing, etc. can also alleviate constipation to some extent. It needs to be noted, however, that these methods may not apply to all older persons and their effects vary from person to person. The opinion of a doctor or professional should be consulted prior to use.
Concluding remarks: constipation of older diabetes patients is a common concern that requires attention. An integrated approach, such as diet adjustment, proper exercise, control of blood sugar, establishment of good defecation habits and, if necessary, drug treatment, can effectively mitigate constipation symptoms. At the same time, older diabetics and their families should pay close attention to their physical condition and constipation, receive timely medical treatment and follow the advice of doctors.
