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Gastroparesis And Diabetes: Decoding Risks!

By Dhwani Jerajani +2 more

What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a disorder characterised by delayed emptying of the stomach contents. In this condition, the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine slows down or stops completely. The smooth functioning of the stomach muscles is controlled by the vagus nerve. Hence, it is the vagus nerve that controls the digestion of food and its movement along the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastroparesis and Diabetes: Decoding Risks - PharmEasy

Gastroparesis can occur due to injury to the vagus nerve during a surgical process, vagus nerve damage due to diabetes, diseases of the nervous system like Parkinson’s or Multiple sclerosis, and some medications like narcotics or antidepressants.

Why are diabetics at an increased risk of gastroparesis?

Uncontrolled diabetes for a long period of time affects each organ in the body. Over a period, around 70% of diabetics start showing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which affects both the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems; this includes the vagus nerve, which triggers gastroparesis. Since gastric emptying is unpredictable, controlling the blood sugar levels of these patients also becomes difficult. Hence, it is very important for diabetics to keep a tab of their blood sugar levels.

To have good control over blood glucose levels in diabetics with gastroparesis, patients may have to

  • Increase the frequency of insulin or change the type of insulin taken.
  • Take insulin post meals, rather than taking it before.
  • Check blood glucose levels frequently after meals and administer insulin accordingly.
  • Sometimes it may be suggested that the patient’s diet includes many liquids or puréed meals a day until the symptoms of gastroparesis improve and blood glucose levels are stable.

Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating of the abdomen, weight loss, poor appetite, and feeling full easily. Symptoms can be aggravated by consuming oily foods, large quantities of foods with fibre or drinking aerated drinks. Symptoms may vary in severity and frequency in each patient and can also vary in intensity over time in the same person.

Also Read: 5 Instant Home Remedies For Gastric Problem

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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