by Dave
(USA)
Sharing experience: Hi,
I have had morning, uncontrollable diarrhea and diabetes for almost a year. Within 5–7 minutes after I wake up every morning, I have to hurry to the bathroom. I try to get a cup of coffee first, but sometimes 10 seconds can determine whether I make it. I can only describe it as pouring mud out of a shovel, and I cannot stop it.
I had a colonoscopy, and the doctor said nothing was wrong. Irritable bowel syndrome was suggested, and Bentyl was prescribed three times daily because anxiety has been an ongoing problem. It did not help.
I then found an internet testimonial saying that a herbal doctor had cured this “virus.” I used the herbs as instructed and the diarrhea stopped within three days. I wanted to share this in case it helps others.
It is encouraging that the diarrhea improved, but a three-day response to an unidentified herbal product does not prove that a virus was present or that diabetes or chronic diarrhea was cured. Chronic diarrhea lasting at least four weeks deserves a structured medical evaluation, even when a colonoscopy appears normal.
Do not recommend the herbs to others until the exact product, ingredients, dose, manufacturer and possible medication interactions have been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. Continue prescribed diabetes treatment unless the treating clinician changes it.
A colonoscopy examines the lining of the large intestine, but chronic diarrhea may come from problems that are not always visible during that examination. Possible causes include medicine side effects, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, lactose or other food intolerance, infection, inflammatory disease, pancreatic problems, small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth and diabetes-related autonomic neuropathy.
Diabetes does not automatically explain every digestive symptom. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy can cause diarrhea or fecal urgency, but it is usually considered after other causes have been reviewed.
A clinician should review every prescription, nonprescription product and supplement. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms in some people, while other possible contributors include GLP-1 medicines, acarbose, antibiotics, magnesium products and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol or xylitol. Coffee may also stimulate bowel activity and could worsen morning urgency in a sensitive person.
Do not stop metformin, Bentyl or another medicine by yourself. Bentyl may reduce intestinal cramping in selected people with irritable bowel syndrome, but lack of benefit should lead to reassessment rather than simply increasing or continuing it indefinitely.
Keeping a one- to two-week record of meals, coffee, medicines, glucose readings, stool timing and stool appearance can help the clinician identify patterns.
The herbs shown in a photograph cannot be identified or judged reliably without the label and source. Herbal mixtures may vary in strength, interact with diabetes medicines, cause liver or kidney injury, worsen diarrhea or contain undeclared prescription ingredients. Claims that a product “cures diabetes” or replaces medical treatment are major warning signs.
Our guide to diabetes herbs, evidence and safety explains why food amounts are different from concentrated powders, teas, extracts and multi-ingredient products.
Seek urgent medical care for black or bloody stool, pus in the stool, high fever, severe abdominal or rectal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, very little urine, marked thirst, inability to keep fluids down or other signs of dehydration. People with diabetes should also follow their sick-day plan and obtain prompt advice if diarrhea makes glucose difficult to control or ketones are present.
Answered by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist
Last reviewed: July 2026
Medical disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment should come from a qualified clinician who knows the patient’s medical history.
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