Life With Diabetes And An Ostomy: Practical Tips And Strategies

Managing diabetes with an ostomy can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this journey.

Recovery and Adjustment

After ileostomy surgery, expect a hospital stay of about 5 to 7 days for open surgery, and slightly less if you’ve had laparoscopic surgery. A 4-week recovery period with minimal exercise is typical. Make sure you have plenty of ostomy supplies and wound care materials on hand to manage potential leaks and take care of your incision.

Diet and Nutrition

Gradual Reintroduction of Foods: It’s important to gradually reintroduce foods and monitor how they affect your digestion. This approach is crucial for managing both diabetes and ostomy output.

Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential, especially after ileostomy surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, including electrolyte-rich drinks, to prevent dehydration.

Dietary Adjustments: Consider a low-residue diet that includes meat, pasta, rice, potatoes, and yogurt to manage output. Introduce fiber slowly to regulate output, but stop if it causes discomfort. Be mindful of carbohydrate intake, and consider using apps to track your food consumption. Protein shakes can help manage hunger without adding too many calories. Instead of raw vegetables, cook them well by steaming, roasting, or pureeing to make them easier to digest.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, especially when trying new foods or adjusting your diet. Keep a log of your readings to identify patterns and make necessary adjustments. Be aware of the symptoms of low (hypoglycemia) and high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar levels, and carry glucose tablets or a quick source of sugar to treat hypoglycemia.

Medication Management

Follow the prescribed schedule for insulin or oral diabetes medications, and coordinate medication timing with meal schedules to optimize blood sugar control. Consult with your healthcare provider to adjust medication doses as needed, especially if you experience changes in diet or activity levels.

Ostomy Care

Keep the skin around the stoma clean and dry to prevent irritation and infections. Use skin barriers or protective products as recommended by your healthcare provider. Track your ostomy output to ensure it is within normal ranges, and address any issues with high output or changes in consistency with your healthcare provider.

Exercise and Lifestyle

Exercising with an ostomy is possible, and leaks are infrequent for most people. Using suitable bag products and being prepared with spare supplies is key. Swimming and using sit-down cross trainers like Nustep are recommended for low-impact exercise, especially if mobility is an issue.

Emotional and Mental Health

Join support groups or communities of individuals with similar health conditions to find understanding and companionship. Consider the impact of mental health on physical well-being and seek professional help if needed.

Practical Tips

Keep a food diary to track what foods are well-tolerated and which ones cause issues. Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion and avoid blockages. Establish a daily routine for managing your ostomy effectively. Experiment with different ostomy products to find the right fit, and use stoma powder, barrier film, and moldable rings to protect the skin and improve adhesion of the appliance.

Additional Considerations

Increase your intake of fluids rich in electrolytes, such as certain sports drinks, to help with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Find a good dietitian to help navigate dietary adjustments and manage a high-output stoma.

Living with diabetes and an ostomy requires careful planning and coordination, but with the right strategies, you can effectively manage both conditions. Regular check-ups with your healthcare providers and staying informed about the latest recommendations can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.