Work

Poster Session I - A118 TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC DIABETIC DIARRHEA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background Idiopathic diabetic diarrhea (IDD) is a complication of diabetes mellitus, marked by chronic loose or watery bowel movements without an identifiable cause. IDD remains poorly understood in the literature, with limited evidence on effective management. Aims To assess the scope of current literature on available treatments for IDD. Methods We conducted a systematic review across 4 databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Cases with known pathology, non-primary, non-human, or inadequate treatment data were excluded. Descriptive statistics were performed after data extractions outlining study designs, patient traits, methods of diabetes management, treatments, and symptomatic outcomes. Absence of randomized controlled trials and heterogeneous outcome measures made meta-analysis unfeasible. Results 21 studies (16 case reports, 5 case series) from 1960-2013 met the inclusion criteria (Table 1). Somatostatin analogues demonstrated the highest improvement in symptoms (92.3%; 12/13). Despite smaller sample sizes, 5-HT3 antagonists (75.0%, 3/4), corticosteroids/immunomodulators (66.7%, 2/3), and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists also showed response. Opiate antidiarrheal agents were most frequently prescribed, but only 22.9% (8/35) experienced improvement. Anticholinergics/antispasmodics (40.0%, 2/5), bile acid sequestrants (33.3%, 3/9), dietary interventions (23.8%, 5/21), and antibiotics (21.7%, 5/23) yielded variable or modest responses. Other therapies without symptomatic response included prokinetic agents, pancreatic enzyme therapy, and NSAIDs. Conclusions Among available cases, symptoms most often improved with somatostatin analogues. 5-HT3 antagonists, corticosteroids, and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists were less common but showed similar rates. Opiate antidiarrheal agents, antibiotics, and nutritional interventions were frequently prescribed despite low rates of success. The availability of certain treatments may have been influenced by year and country of origin. As literature was limited to case reports and case series, larger studies and more recent data are necessary for better identification and formal comparison of treatment. Funding Agencies None

Source: Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwaf042.118

Authors: A Chang, R S Cho, T Wai, B Nguyen

Institutions: University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal motility and disorders

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,198