Stomach pain and Diabetes

[Michalo]

My child often complains of stomach aches - which I can relate it to having a low.  However, once in a while (since he's been diagnosed 6 years ago) he has bad pain just below his belly button and this last Saturday was the first time I've seen him bent over.  Although by the time we see a dr. the pain is gone no one seems overly concerned but it's not normal.  Has any one had this and what is the cause and what can we do to eliminate this happening again.  Something tells me it's in relation to his Diabetes but am not certain.

[afultz]

My daughter was diagnosed a year ago with Type 1 diabetes. She has been having stomach pains for well over a year prior to her diagnoses. The doctor (not knowing what the cause might be) suggested we use antacids saying her stomach is producing too much stomach bile. It didn't work. I am talking with the endocrinologist today and requesting she be sent to a gastroenterologist to look further into this. Her stomach ache are more common in the mornings and have no bearing on if her sugars run high or low. They do tend to run on the HIGH side most of the time and the team working with her cannot determine why this is.  My thoughts are the food is not digesting at a quick enough rate allowing more carbs to be absorbed. Thank you for all the informative posts here. We have been keeping a regular journal on her readings and food intake. Although she was tested for celiac, and came up negative, I am wondering if this too could be a source of concern.

[momoftypeone]

My daughter, age 8, recent diagnosed, suffers from stomach aches in the week or two before she seems to need her insulin dosages changed.  I, like someone earlier in the post, feel that this is related to the breaking down of the pancreas's beta cells.  I believe my daughter experiences sympotms when this occurs, and I believe this breakdown coocurs in spurts, not a gradual loss.

[cccaseygirl]

Hi, my 12 year old son has stomach aches on a daily basis and I too KNOW in my gut that is is directly related to his type 1 diabetes. I did have them check for celiacs and he is negative for that. His endo does not think they are related as well. THEY ARE!! I am going to start journaling his food intake TODAY and see if there is a link in the food choices. Thanks for the idea.

[kimber54]

I am an RN at a local elementary school and I am helping care for an 11 year old boy there (3 years type one diabetic with Pod insulin delivery) who has lately been having these stomach pains.  His sugars have been all over the page also.  I just talked with him and his mom today about eliminating dairy to see how he feels and if no change, then try eliminating gluten. I didn't know until reading this forum today that there is a tendency towards celiac with diabetics.  I do know my adult daughter (non-diabetic) has a gluten intolerance and has these symptoms.  She's so much better now on a GF diet.

I've been doing a search on this topic (stomachache and diabetes) because some of the school staff think my student is malingering and I (and his mom) don't think he is.  I'm printing out some of the comments here so I can help the staff have a greater appreciation for this issue.

I wish you all luck.  You all work so hard to give a great life to your kids.  It is frustrating to have to be the diagnostician as well as advocate for your child and to get wildly differing opinions regarding what's going on.  I encourage you all to continue to follow your "gut" (no pun intended!) and to think outside the box in caring for your kids (and yourselves).  Also, don't forget to address the issue of stress...The Institute of Heart Math has done numerous studies about how to lower A1C levels using heart variability training through breathing and games.  Might be a great way to help and have fun.

all the best and happy holidays!

[Jenny299]

I have a sister who has diabetes and it just started about 3 or 2 weeks ago and she has pain in her tummy. I'm not sure what kind of pain cause she is only 6 and she wont speak much but she did say it was/near her belly button. she hasn't been scratching it, her sugar level was normal and it was still hurting. It comes and goes and last night she was sick but not anymore, I am really worried and I am not sure what to do please can you help me.

and good luck to everyone else!

[Colby_mom]

My son is 10 years old and has type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was 7. This morning he was complaining about stomach pains. This is not the first time this has happened. He does have a poor diet. He's very stubborn and I can't get him to eat better. He's blood sugar is often high as well. But I read the post here and will try a gluten free diet and benefiber. I appreciate this site very much. No one in my immediate circle understands what it is like to have a child with this condition.