Publication Date: 8/27/2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I am a 77 year old female with type 2 diabetes who has been on metformin for four years now. The problem is I have frequent diarrhea still. I am unwell for a few days at a time and feel low in energy. I have continuing episodes for several days and can then go a month or so until next bout, but I am unable to go out as result. The attacks come with no warning and are violent. There's no chance to get to the toilet, so this creates a great deal of mental anguish. My blood sugar is good.What can be done to control this? Would a low dose of Lomotil help? Is there anything else, an alternative treatment available?
Answer
Although it's tempting to blame the metformin, there's not enough information here to identify the cause of the diarrhea. It may be related to your diabetes or something completely separate. Please check with your physician, and if he/she is unable to assist, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist (gut specialist).
