Uncommon Diabetes Questions: Ants in Toilet and Other Signs

Hello Doctor compiled some uncommon diabetes questions about diabetes, and our medical expert shares the enlightening answers.

What is Diabetes?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels. They have different causes and require different treatments. In each case, the development of the disease progresses differently, and thus close medical attention is needed.

Uncommon Diabetes Questions

When I go to the bathroom, sometimes may langgam sa ihi ko or I’ve noticed that maraming langgam sa T-shirt at towel ko. Is this a sign of diabetes?

Some people may notice that after going to the restroom to urinate, ants are seen in their urine or around the toilet bowl. It is indeed a strange sight. People immediately think that they have diabetes. However, this is not entirely true, but it does have its basis.

When the level of sugar in the blood has become elevated to a certain point, and the kidney is unable to reabsorb the sugar, it spills out into the urine, which they call glucosuria. But just because there are ants in your urine, it doesnt necessarily mean that you immediately have diabetes. 

Sugar in your urine can be due to a variety of reasons such as the following

• Cystinosis
• Fanconi’s syndrome
• Wilson Disease
• Tyrosinemia

Some other weird or unconventional signs that may point to possible diabetes mellitus include:

• Dark velvety skin at the back of the neck and intertriginous areas ( acanthosis nigricans)
• Frequent urination and even at night
• Slow wound healing
• Developing more infections than the usual (developing boils, abscesses, wounds, etc)
• Always hungry or thirsty (more than the usual)

These are just some things to check on, but is not definitive that you have diabetes. 

If you notice some of these signs, see ants in your toilet bowl after peeing, or even have a strong family background for diabetes, once should consider having a checkup with your doctor.  The appropriate blood tests can be done to confirm if you do or do not have diabetes. 

Nakakatulong ba yung uminom ng mga tsa-tsaa katulad ng ampalaya, kalamansi, atbp para sa diabetes? 

Current research has shown that ampalaya/ bitter gourd has some anti-diabetic qualities that make it a potential treatment for diabetes. Although it has shown in studies that it can reduce blood sugar to a certain extent, results are still inconclusive and need further testing and research. 

Taking them as teas or supplements can be done, but better to consult with your doctor regarding any intake of other herbal teas. 

Other teas or supplements that are not well studied may contain ingredients that may be harmful to the kidneys, liver, or heart. 

To attain better control of your blood sugar, proper diet and exercise is a must, as well as being compliant with your anti-diabetic medications.

Eating less carbohydrates and sweets, and maintaining a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and protein can make your sugar levels more manageable. Use of artificial sweeteners may also be used. 

I’ve been using insulin shots for a few years, napapansin ko na tumitigas yung tiyan ko. Should I be worried? What can I do?

For those who have been injecting insulin for a long time, they may experience development of lumps and bumps in their abdominal area, which we call lipohypertrophy.

This may occur secondary to insulin injections, wherein the insulin promotes growth of the fat cells and cause hardening of the areas in the abdomen. This usually happens when patients repeatedly inject in the same site. If a patient keeps injecting into a site of lipohypertrophy, this may lead to impaired release and absorption of the insulin, which may cause hypoglycemia. 

This can be prevented by rotating the sites of injection, whether on the abdomen, thighs, and arms. Over time, some of the areas may soften, and lumps may become smaller.

Learn more about Diabetes here.