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Nov 04, 2025

Diabetes Management Challenges with an Ileostomy

This topic is about managing diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes, after having ileostomy surgery. This person is experiencing unpredictable changes in their blood sugar levels, feeling tired, and having trouble sleeping. They are looking for advice from others who might have faced similar challenges. Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Consult with a diabetes specialist, stoma or ostomy nurse, and a registered dietitian to create a personalized plan. Blood sugar instability is common after major digestive changes.

2. Instead of having large, infrequent meals, try eating small, frequent meals to help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.

3. Stay hydrated:
- Drinking plain water might not be enough after colon removal. Include electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade Zero or vitamin-enhanced waters, especially if you have high watery output or are feeling unwell.
- Keep an eye on your sodium intake to ensure it's adequate but not excessive.

4. Get regular blood tests to check for iron (ferritin), vitamin B12, and thyroid function. Deficiencies in these areas can lead to fatigue and poor glucose control, but they are usually easy to treat.

5. For managing nighttime issues:
- Check your blood sugar during the night and try to avoid eating late.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom and blood sugar fluctuations can disrupt your sleep.

6. When choosing foods with an ileostomy and diabetes:
- Opt for well-cooked or canned vegetables and peeled or juiced fruits to reduce output volume while still getting fiber and nutrients.
- Some examples of tolerated foods include well-cooked broccoli and cauliflower, canned beets (low sodium) or carrots, peeled apples, iceberg lettuce, and canned chickpeas with chicken salad.
- Stick to vegetables you know you can tolerate and pair carbohydrates with protein or vegetables to help manage blood sugar levels.

7. Consider taking multivitamins and minerals as recommended by your healthcare providers to replace nutrients lost due to faster digestion.

8. Engage in regular exercise, like walking, to help stabilize blood sugar, boost energy, and improve sleep.

9. Be aware that the risk of chronic kidney disease is higher when dealing with both diabetes and an ileostomy. Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is important for kidney health.
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