People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be affected by gastroparesis, a condition in which the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.
Diabetics with neuropathy, or nerve damage, to the vagus nerve, which supplies nerve fibers all over the body including the throat, lungs, heart and intestinal tract, can suffer from gastroparesis.
Symptoms of gastroparesis may be mild or severe and include:
. Heartburn
. Nausea
. Vomiting of undigested food
. Early feeling of fullness when eating
. Weight loss
. Abdominal bloating
. Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels
. Lack of appetite
. Gastroesophageal reflux
. Spasms of the stomach wall
Gastroparesis makes it more difficult to manage blood glucose which in turn can worsen diabetes. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise.
Your doctor can diagnose gastroparesis through a variety of different tests including a barium x-ray or blood tests. The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well as possible. Treatments include insulin, oral medications, changes in what and when you eat, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.