IBS and Pre-Diabetes: Why I Support Clients With Both
Introduction
As a dietitian living with IBS and a certified diabetes educator, I know firsthand how frustrating and confusing these conditions can be. I’ve had to plan my day around gut symptoms, and I’ve seen clients struggle with the overwhelm of a new prediabetes diagnosis. What I love most about my work is helping people realize two things:
Their gut symptoms aren’t “all in their head.”
Their efforts to manage blood sugars don’t have to mean restriction.
I’m passionate about translating the science into practical strategies that actually fit into real life. Whether it’s supporting someone with bloating, gas, and unpredictable bowels—or coaching someone who is motivated to prevent diabetes but doesn’t want another strict diet—I focus on creating sustainable habits that help people feel better now and protect their long-term health.
And because stress, mood, and eating patterns are deeply connected, I also bring in my interest in nutritional psychiatry and emotional eating. IBS and prediabetes don’t exist in isolation. Often, they overlap and that’s where my approach comes in.
What Is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gut disorder, often involving visceral hypersensitivity. Common symptoms include bloating, distention, abdominal pain, excess gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both.
Diagnosis is made using the Rome IV criteria, but treatment looks different for everyone. Some people benefit from modified diets (like low FODMAP), others from supplements, medication, nervous system regulation, or lifestyle changes. There is no one-size-fits-all.
What Is Prediabetes?
In Canada, prediabetes is diagnosed when your HbA1C is 6.0–6.4%. This means more sugar is staying in your bloodstream and sticking to red blood cells instead of moving into your body’s cells where it can be used for energy.
Many people with prediabetes also experience insulin resistance and may carry excess weight but not always. What matters most is catching it early, because this is the stage where nutrition and lifestyle changes can make the biggest impact.
Why IBS and Prediabetes Overlap
At first glance, these conditions seem unrelated. But in practice, they often show up together.
Stress: High stress is a risk factor for both IBS flare-ups and insulin resistance. If food becomes the main stress-management tool, symptoms of both conditions can worsen.
Snacking habits: Frequent grazing, eating every 1–2 hours, and skipping balanced meals can trigger IBS symptoms and destabilize blood sugars. I love snacks but they need to work with your body, not against it.
Mental health: Both IBS and prediabetes can take a toll on energy, mood, and confidence. This is where a whole-person approach is especially important.
How Nutrition Can Help Both
The good news? The same nutrition habits that improve gut health can also support blood sugar stability. A few simple, powerful strategies include:
Eat balanced meals every 4–6 hours (protein, fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats together).
Chew slowly and stop at about 80% fullness to support digestion.
Stay hydrated with ~2-3 L of water spread throughout the day.
Take a 10-minute walk after meals to help with both digestion and blood sugar control.
Small steps, repeated consistently, often make the biggest difference.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
When I work with clients, we don’t just focus on symptoms or lab numbers. We look at your schedule, preferences, stress, and goals. Each session ends with clear, realistic steps to focus on between sessions.
I’m not afraid to talk about poop or weight when it’s relevant, because those conversations matter with both IBS and prediabetes. But we’ll always approach those topics with empathy, curiosity, and practicality.
Quick FAQs
Can IBS affect blood sugar?
Yes. IBS doesn’t directly change glucose levels, but the way you eat (grazing, skipping meals, or choosing quick-digesting foods) can impact blood sugars.
Can prediabetes affect digestion?
It can. People with insulin resistance may experience bloating, fatigue, or irregular bowel movements, though it’s not always directly linked.
Is the Mediterranean diet helpful for both?
Absolutely. With a few tweaks for gut tolerance, the Mediterranean pattern supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and improves blood sugar control.
Final Thoughts
IBS and prediabetes are common, often misunderstood, and more connected than you might think. The right nutrition strategies can help calm your gut, stabilize your energy, and lower your risk of complications, without feeling like you’re on a diet 24/7.
Ready to take the next step? [Book a session with me here]
Or, if you’re just starting out, stay tuned for my upcoming free 7-day Mediterranean-inspired meal plan to help with gut and blood sugar balance.