A colostomy adds a level of complexity to diabetes. Diabetics who already manage their condition through diet need not radically transform their eating habits once the colostomy fully heals, according to the United Ostomy Associations of America. Typically, the procedure requires no dietary restrictions. However, healing a newly acquired colostomy does require a few dietary considerations for diabetics.
Types
Two types of diabetes exist: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and happens when the pancreas no longer manufactures the hormone insulin, which the body requires to utilize glucose for energy. Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, manifests later in life. A Type 2 diabetic's body still produces insulin, however his system either ignores it, or does not receive enough to function effectively.
A colostomy procedure diverts the body's solid waste from the colon through a stoma -- part of the intestine brought out through the abdominal wall -- into an ostomy pouch or bag outside the body. Colostomies occur in cases where the large intestine has been removed or needs time to heal -- thus colostomies can be temporary or permanent. Many diseases necessitate a colostomy, including cancer, diverticulitis -- inflamed tissues in the colon -- and bowel obstruction. In the case of diabetics, colostomies may be related to poor diet. For example, doctors link diverticulitis to a low fiber diet.
Wound Healing
Diabetes hampers wound healing, according to a 1996 article published by Vittoria Pontieri-Lewis in the journal "MedSurg Nursing." Diabetes delays the early phases of the wound healing process, thus providing more opportunity for infection to occur following the colostomy procedure, particularly for diabetics who are overweight or obese. Vitamin C factors significantly in wound healing, and vitamin C rich foods such as tomatoes and tomato juice, citrus fruits, potatoes, red and green peppers, strawberries, kiwifruit, broccoli, cantaloupe, Brussels sprouts, and fortified breakfast cereals all provide excellent sources, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Carbohydrates and Fats
Once the colostomy heals, a low carbohydrate diet may not be necessary to the management of diabetes. According to Cassie Rico, registered dietitian and the Associate Director of Medical Affairs and Health Outcomes at the American Diabetes Association, an effective combination of healthy carbohydrates and fats such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils evenly spaced out over the course of the day, combined with regular exercise, underpin successful diabetes management.
Fiber
While fiber supports digestive health and plays an important role in nutrition for diabetics, high fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables need to be avoided immediately following the colostomy surgery, according to the United Ostomy Associations of America. Speak to your doctor or health practitioner to learn how soon after the colostomy you can begin re-introducing fiber to your diet if you are diabetic.
Complications
According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, diabetes patients with colostomy run a higher risk of developing a parastomal hernia -- wherein the abdominal muscles detach from the stoma connected to the colostomy pouch -- particularly if they are overweight or obese. Extra attention to diet following a colostomy procedure can help diabetics lose weight and enjoy a higher quality of life and activity level.
References
- United Ostomy Associations of America: Colostomy Guide
- American Diabetes Association: Type 2
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- "MedSurg Nursing"; Utilizing a Team Approach To Wound Management. Vittoria Pontieri-Lewis; December 1996
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- American Diabetes Association: Ask the Registered Dietician
