I am Diabetic taking Acarbose to help with my blood sugar levels. It is great, except for the flatulence. HELP

Question

I have been prescribed, Gastrocote which helps but not enough.

I have tried Enteric coated Peppermint oil which helps but not enough.

Please can anyone suggest something else that might help ?

Kind Regards
Naresh

Answer 1

The passage of undigested carbs into the bowel give the bacteria there a feast which, alas, results in the production of copious amounts of gas. Mylicon or Gas-X may help some. Probiotics may also be of some benefit. Reducing the intake of starchy foods may have to be considered. Tablets or capsules of activated charcoal may also do some good. Search 'Acarbose' on the internet also, and see if you can find any links to sites that can offer other suggestions for help with this problem. Good luck.

Answer 2

I have a lot of patients that often complain for the flatulence of acarbose. It is unfortunate that it happens, but it does. Try talking to your doctor. Let him know that it is a problem. If it is to much of a problem, there are many better drugs out there that can help lower your blood sugar.

Pharmacist

Answer 3

My dietician recommended that you need to increase your fluid intake to help reduce flatulence - e.g. drink more water. I would go back to the GP or your diabetic nurse/specialist and see what else they suggest.

Answer 4

Try Imodium , it joins the loose , the air and lumps together , farting becomes a thing of the past .

Answer 5

Copious flatus is created by symbiotic bacteria (Escherichia Colii and others) in you gut . usually feeding on undigested cellulose fibers in our food .beans are high in cellulose with the unwanted results . cut back on foods with high content .

Answer 6

Try Beano or Gas-X.