Is diarrhea a side effect of diabetes?

Sometimes: It is unusual to have diarrhea when your diabetes is well controlled. If you develop diarrhea and have diabetes be aware: just being ill, with or with out dehydration caused by diarrhea, can worsen control of your diabetes. Additionally if your diabetes is not well controlled you may experience diarrhea as a sign from your body that things are not well. See your doctor for advice specific to you.

Possibly for some: About a quarter of diabetic patients suffer with diarrhea. Long-term diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including nerves that control the digestive tract. This may result in conditions that are associated with pain, bloating, nausea, etc. As well as gut motility issues, leading to constipation and/or diarrhea.

Yes : The majority of diarrhea is not directly related to diabetes but instead is a fairly common medication side effects of metformin, the most commonly prescribed medication to treat diabetes. Byetta, victoza, (liraglutide) and Bydureon also have diarrhea as a potential side effect. However, diarrhea is also a symptom of gastrointestinal neuropathy that is seen in patients with years of poorly controlled diabetes.