Overeating dessert can leave anyone with a stomachache. But if you have diabetes, sugar may have a bigger impact on how you feel.

Feeling sick after eating sweets isn’t necessarily unique to people with diabetes. However, diabetes can cause some digestive issues that are good to know about. Here are some reasons why your stomach may be upset after eating sugar.

What Happens When You Eat Sugar?

Sugar that you eat or drink is quickly broken down by the digestive system into smaller sugar molecules called glucose. Glucose enters the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

This rise in blood glucose triggers the pancreas to release the hormone insulin. Insulin helps put blood sugar to use, either as immediate energy or as stored energy that your body can use later.

Diabetes Complications

People with type 2 diabetes have an impaired insulin response. That means their bodies don’t process sugar as well. Instead of sugar being taken up by the cells and converted to energy, it stays in the blood. High blood sugar spikes that don’t come down are called hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia can make you feel tired and thirsty and give you a headache. Over time, it can lead to diabetes complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

When the body is unable to use sugar for energy, it breaks down fat to use as energy. This process produces ketones, which make the blood acidic. This condition, known as diabetic ketoacidosis, is life-threatening. Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are common symptoms. It’s crucial to seek emergency medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you love has diabetic ketoacidosis.

Gastroparesis

Diabetes is linked to certain stomach problems, including gastroparesis. In gastroparesis, the stomach doesn’t empty itself properly. It can be caused by nerve damage from high blood sugar levels. Normally, muscles in the digestive system tighten and relax to push food along. But in gastroparesis, these muscles slow down or stop working.

People with gastroparesis may feel stuffed or bloated after eating small meals. They may lose their appetite and have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and heartburn. Keeping diabetes under control can help prevent gastroparesis. Unfortunately, there’s no cure once you have it. Lifestyle changes, including physical activity and eating small portions of food throughout the day, can help manage the symptoms.

DiabetesTeam members have shared their journey with gastroparesis. “It is hard to control both diabetes and gastroparesis,” said one member. “I follow the gastroparesis diet and count carbs for diabetes. Stay away from high fiber foods, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fresh veggies, and fruit. Remove the skin from all veggies and fruit and cook until extremely soft. My symptoms are usually mild, and I can go months without a major flare-up,” they explained.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gastroparesis, your healthcare provider can help you manage it and follow a healthy, balanced diet. Your doctor may also prescribe medications if needed.

Other Potential Causes

Diabetes may not be the only reason you feel sick from sugar. Other issues can also be to blame.

Reactive Hypoglycemia

Reactive hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels drop two to four hours after a meal. It’s more likely to happen after eating sugary foods or simple carbohydrates (like white bread).

The symptoms of low blood sugar can include shakiness, confusion, extreme hunger, and weakness. Eating some carbohydrates can make you feel better, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about strategies to prevent and manage the problem in the long term.

Food Intolerance

If you feel sick after eating specific foods, you may have a food intolerance. Dairy products are a common food that people have trouble with.

Artificial sweeteners can also affect the digestive system. Even sugar alcohols, which many consider to be a healthier alternative to sugar, can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea for some people.

In addition, high fructose corn syrup is a type of sugar that’s common in processed food and soda. It’s digested differently than other types of sugar, often causing gas or diarrhea.

You can eliminate certain ingredients from your diet and see how you feel. A registered dietitian, gastroenterologist, or allergist can also help you sort out potential food sensitivities.

Anxiety and Stress

An upset stomach can also be caused by anxiety. Nausea is a common symptom of the stress response.

If you tend to seek out sugary foods for comfort when stressed, you may wonder whether it’s the sugar or the stress that’s making you feel sick. In addition, if you’re worried about managing your diabetes, you may feel nervous or guilty after eating high-sugar foods.

One DiabetesTeam member shared, “I had a lot of anxiety when my blood sugar went out of control. I was also angry with myself for not managing my health better. I am a nurse. I felt I should have known better. Sessions with a counselor and a coach helped me tremendously. I was able to express my feelings and practice ways of managing the anxiety and taking control of my health again.”

It’s important to be mindful about the connection between your brain and your belly. A mental health counselor can help you figure out if anxiety or stress is making you feel bad.

Should You See a Doctor?

Eating less sugar is a healthy change that can help you feel better and help lower your risk of high blood pressure and other health problems. Communicate with your healthcare provider about any troubling symptoms, including stomachaches. If you notice a trend of feeling sick after eating certain foods, you may have a problem that would benefit from treatment.

A healthcare professional can run tests to screen for diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and any mental health issues. Rather than trying to diagnose yourself, get medical advice from a qualified provider you can trust.

Talk With Others Who Understand

DiabetesTeam is the social network for people with diabetes mellitus and their loved ones. On DiabetesTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Do you think sugar affects how you feel and your overall health? Have you adjusted your meal plan to include less sugar? Share your comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.