Diabetes and the colon
Autonomic neuropathy, as a result of high blood glucose levels over a number of years, is one potential cause of disturbed bowel movements leading to diarrhoea or constipation.
Other factors may include diet, a gastrointestinal virus or the presence of another disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Treatments for constipation include dietary changes or laxatives
Treatments for diarrhoea include loperamide, an antidiarrhoeal medication