Brittle diabetes is also known as labile diabetes and this is a term that is used to describe type I diabetes that is not controlled. For this diabetic they often experience large swings in blood sugar levels, which can cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Either of these extreme shifts in the blood glucose can be dangerous for the diabetic and can be caused by gastrointestinal absorption problems.

Gastrointestinal absorption problems are not the only difficulty the person with low blood sugar levels can have problems with; they can also have thyroid problems, which are known as hypothyroidism. There can also be a condition with the adrenal glands, where there is an adrenal insufficiency.