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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid Treatment for People with Diabetes

Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)
Medical Editors: Jay W. Marks, MD

Sudden Cardiac Death and Cardiac ArrestSome medications used to treat hemorrhoids can have negative effects on blood glucose levels, and thus, may cause physical problems for individuals with diabetes who are taking diabetes medications. There are options for patients with diabetes, who also suffer from painful hemorrhoids.

Some simple treatments for hemorrhoids in patients with diabetes are as follows:

  • Eat plenty of high-fiber foods including bran, fresh fruits and vegetables. Psyllium-containing products also may be used to add fiber to the diet.
  • Avoid straining during defecation or sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time. In general, do not sit for prolonged periods of time. Ice compresses may ease the swelling.

Read more on safe hemorrhoid treatments for people with diabetes »

Hemorrhoid Overview

Hemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins in your rectum.

Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus.

  • The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt, unlike external hemorrhoids.
  • Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.

Hemorrhoid Causes

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements as well as pregnancy. It is thought that these conditions lead to increased pressure in the hemorrhoid veins, thus causing them to swell. Liver disease can also cause increased pressure in the veins and also cause hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years.



Next: Hemorrhoid Symptoms »

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Constipation Overview

Constipation refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. For some people, it may mean difficulty in passing stools. A constipated stool is hard because it contains less water than normal. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.

Generally, constipation is difficult to define clearly because as a symptom it varies from person to person.

  • The frequency of bowel movements also varies greatly, ranging from 3 movements per day to 3 per week. Generally, if your bowel has not opened for 3 successive days, the intestinal contents harden, and you may have difficulty or even pain during defecation.
  • A common misconception about constipation is that wastes stored in your body are absorbed, are dangerous to your health, and may shorten your lifespan. Some people have an underlying fear that they will be "poisoned" by their own intestinal wastes (feces) if they retain the waste in their bodies for more than a...

Read the Constipation in Adults article »


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