Managing both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially when each condition comes with its own dietary needs and daily challenges. Yet many people live with both, and understanding how they interact can make a big difference in how you feel.
While diabetes affects how your body regulates blood sugar, IBS impacts your digestive system, sometimes leading to overlapping symptoms that can complicate daily life. If you have both IBS and diabetes, here is what you should know about how they’re connected and how you can manage diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome.
Key Takeaways
- IBS and diabetes are two separate conditions but commonly occur together.
- Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood sugar, while IBS impacts the digestive system.
- Managing both conditions requires careful attention to diet and symptom triggers.
- Working with a gut health dietitian or a diabetes dietitian can make it easier to manage your diabetes symptoms.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, formally known as diabetes mellitus, is a disease where your body either can’t produce insulin or is resistant to the insulin it does make, causing blood sugar levels to become unstable. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational. You can either be born with diabetes, which is most common with type 1 diabetes, or it can be developed later in life.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Losing weight without trying
- Feelings of weakness
- Mood changes
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
People with diabetes need to be careful of what they eat in order to avoid blood sugar levels spiking or getting too low, as both can be dangerous. Blood sugar testing is also necessary for people with diabetes to help monitor and regulate blood glucose levels.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine and causes pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. The exact cause of IBS is currently unknown, but some factors in its development include things like severe infections, issues with the nervous system, stress during early life, or changes in gut microbes.
IBS symptoms include:
- Stomach pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Gas
- Diarrhea
People with IBS need to be mindful of what they eat in order to avoid triggering IBS flare-ups. Foods like gluten and those that produce large amounts of gas, such as carbonated drinks, are two common triggers among people with IBS, but trigger foods will vary from person to person. High-fiber foods are generally known to be helpful for people with IBS, and it’s also important to stay hydrated to help manage symptoms.
Is There a Link Between Diabetes and IBS?
According to the American Diabetes Association, around 75% of people with diabetes also have troubles with their gastrointestinal tract, and a study by the University of Sydney found that gastrointestinal issues are much more common in people with diabetes versus people without diabetes. The prevalence of GI symptoms in people with diabetes is significantly higher than in the general population, highlighting the increased risk for digestive problems among those with diabetes.
Common GI symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating often overlap in both IBS and diabetes, making it challenging to distinguish between the two conditions. IBS affects blood sugar regulation and overall gastrointestinal health, but it does not directly cause damage; rather, it may coexist with other health issues influenced by blood sugar levels.
IBS is estimated to affect roughly 10 to 15% of people in the United States, so there being an overlap between those with IBS and diabetes makes sense and is likely. But, does diabetes cause IBS?
There is currently no evidence suggesting that having diabetes causes IBS. While they can occur at the same time within a person and lead to some similar symptoms, diabetes and IBS are developed independently of each other. However, gastroparesis—a digestive condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying—is a more serious complication of diabetes, and diabetes is the leading cause of gastroparesis. Excess sugar intake can also lead to chronic low-grade inflammation and increased gut permeability, which are common features of both IBS and diabetes. Additionally, artificial sweeteners, especially those ending in -ol such as sorbitol and xylitol, can contribute to GI problems for people with IBS.
What to Eat if You Have Both IBS and Diabetes
Diabetes and IBS are both conditions that require you to be diligent about what you eat in order to feel healthy and well, but it can seem daunting to manage both conditions at the same time. Finding the best diet for managing both IBS and diabetes is essential, as it can help optimize blood sugar control and digestive comfort.
Making lifestyle changes, including dietary and behavioral modifications, can help alleviate symptoms and make daily life more manageable. These changes not only target symptom relief but also contribute to improved overall health and well-being. Key dietary recommendations include prioritizing lean proteins, low-FODMAP grains like oats and quinoa, and avoiding high-FODMAP vegetables. Staying hydrated is important for managing both diabetes and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Additionally, stress management can play a significant role in alleviating gastrointestinal issues associated with both diabetes and IBS. Here are foods you should prioritize when building a balanced diet for diabetes and IBS.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber intake is essential for people with diabetes because it helps slow down the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream, helping manage blood sugar levels. High-fiber foods, such as brown rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, can help stabilize blood sugar levels and support gastrointestinal health. However, it’s also important for people with IBS. This is because soluble fiber can increase stool bulk and help promote regular bowel movements. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber can help reduce gas and bloating, which are common symptoms of IBS.
Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, starchy vegetables, and seeds. People with IBS who struggle with gas may want to skip eating beans and legumes, but they’re a good source of fiber for people who do not. Fruits are encouraged in a diabetic diet, but those with fructose intolerance should avoid certain fruits.
Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products are great for people with diabetes and IBS. Eating less fat is important for both disorders, as fat can strengthen intestinal contractions, causing abdominal pain. Low-fat yogurt is especially helpful for people with IBS because of the beneficial probiotics. However, make sure to read the nutrition labels carefully to avoid too much added sugar that can affect your diabetes.
Protein
Protein is essential for a balanced diet, and especially for those with diabetes, as protein helps slow the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream. The protein found in meat and fish is generally well-tolerated by individuals with both diabetes and IBS. When choosing meat, try to opt for lean cuts, as fatty cuts can potentially lead to digestive issues. Lean meats and fish are usually well-tolerated by both people with diabetes and those with IBS.
Nuts and seeds can also be a good source of protein and are easy to incorporate into your diet as a snack. Just a handful of nuts can provide a good amount of protein that can keep you feeling full between meals.
Carbohydrates
It can be difficult to fit carbohydrates into a diet for someone with both IBS and diabetes. Carbs like bread, pasta, cereal, and rice tend to spike blood sugar when not consumed mindfully, but they also provide essential energy to the body. In order to avoid high blood sugar, choose whole-grain options that have additional fiber, which is good for both conditions.
For those following a low FODMAP diet, suitable carbohydrate foods include oats, quinoa, rice, and certain gluten-free breads, as these are naturally low in FODMAPs and less likely to trigger digestive symptoms. While fresh fruits are generally recommended, fruit juice is discouraged for people with diabetes and IBS because it can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and digestive discomfort.
Many diabetic-friendly products use sugar alcohols, but these can trigger IBS symptoms like diarrhea and bloating. People with diabetes often turn to sugar substitutes to limit sugar intake, but some substitutes can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Safe sweeteners for individuals with both IBS and diabetes include stevia and monk fruit extract, as they do not affect blood sugar or cause gut fermentation.
Work With a Dietitian
If you have both IBS and diabetes, it can be difficult to manage dietary requirements and find a balanced diet that works for you. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, dietary advice, and treatment recommendations tailored to your needs. This is why it can be extremely helpful to speak with a registered dietitian on the matter. A dietitian can help introduce beneficial dietary changes and find foods you enjoy eating that won’t upset your conditions.
Treatment approaches may vary depending on the type of IBS you have, such as IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) or IBS with constipation (IBS-C), and may include specific dietary modifications or medication options. Regular physical activity also helps to lower blood glucose levels and can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
There are also dietitians who specialize in gut health who would be ideal for helping IBS patients develop a balanced diet that won’t upset their symptoms.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Stress Management Matters
If you’ve noticed that stress makes both your IBS and diabetes symptoms worse, you’re not imagining it. The gut-brain connection is well-documented—stress triggers digestive flare-ups and can also spike blood sugar levels, creating a frustrating cycle for people managing both conditions.
This is why treatment that only focuses on what you eat often falls short. How you think about food, your body, and your health plays a measurable role in your symptoms. Research from Yale demonstrated that people’s hormonal responses to identical foods varied dramatically based on their beliefs about what they were consuming.
At Dietitian Live, our dietitians are trained to address both the nutritional and mindset components of chronic condition management. Through our Quantum Mind Architecture™ program, clients learn to identify and shift the stress patterns and beliefs that can worsen both gut and blood sugar issues—making dietary changes feel more sustainable and less overwhelming.
Ready for support that addresses the whole picture? Book your first session at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and IBS
Can Diabetes Cause IBS?
No. There is currently no evidence that diabetes directly causes IBS. However, the two conditions can occur together, and people with diabetes are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues.
Can High Blood Sugar Worsen IBS Symptoms?
Yes. Poorly managed blood sugar can slow or speed up digestion, potentially worsening gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
What Food Should I Avoid if I Have Both Conditions?
People often avoid high-fat foods, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, and certain high-FODMAP foods like onions or wheat. However, trigger foods vary, so personal testing is important.
It’s Possible to Manage Having Diabetes and IBS
Managing both IBS and diabetes may feel challenging, but with the right knowledge and a personalized approach, you can reduce symptoms and feel more in control of your health. By focusing on supportive foods, understanding your triggers, and staying consistent with blood sugar management, you can create a balanced routine that works for your body.
You don’t have to navigate these conditions alone! If you’re ready for tailored support, consider signing up to talk to a registered dietitian at no cost to you. A dietitian can help you build a plan that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term health goals.
