{"id":482,"date":"2023-11-07T15:48:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T15:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/?p=482"},"modified":"2023-11-17T17:19:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:19:18","slug":"diabetic-gastroparesis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/diabetic-gastroparesis\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetic Gastroparesis: How Does Delayed Gastric Emptying Affect"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"eplus-DjHZrA eplus-wrapper\">In patients suffering from gastroparesis, the stomach contraction is diminished, elongating the time food spends in the stomach before being expelled into the intestine. Diabetes happens to be one of the causes of gastroparesis in humans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-ETYD5R eplus-wrapper\">This article discusses the topic: diabetic gastroparesis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and other vital aspects of the condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-Ba9r92 wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>What is Diabetic Gastroparesis?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-7VwzMM eplus-wrapper\">Besides diabetes, there are other causes of gastroparesis. However, diabetic gastroparesis simply refers to when the condition is caused by diabetes. According to a report, diabetic gastroparesis is a severe complication of diabetes associated with obstructions of the digestive tract, observed as delayed gastric emptying.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-HVFc1c eplus-wrapper\">Gastroparesis is not limited to either type of diabetes, as type 1 and <a href=\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/vip\/type2-diabetes\">type 2 diabetes<\/a> can be responsible for this disorder. Poor management of diabetes may lead to damaging the vagus nerve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-P5w4wO eplus-wrapper\">The vagus nerve controls the peristaltic movement of food in the stomach. When diabetes starts to hamper this nerve, the muscles responsible for the contraction of food in the stomach and other parts of the alimentary canal begin to lose their functions, resulting in this condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-NgOZJl wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Why is Gastroparesis Called Delayed Gastric Emptying?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-qd7HJc eplus-wrapper\">Gastroparesis is referred to as delayed gastric emptying because that&#8217;s exactly what happens in the condition. The condition prevents the contraction of muscles of the digestive tract, resulting in delayed stomach emptying of food into the small intestine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-mc8ZOS wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Signs and Symptoms: What is the Effect of Gastroparesis on Digestive Tract and Stomach Muscles?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-MO9wVP eplus-wrapper\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/11\/gastroparesis-and-digestive-tract.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5316\" src=\"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/11\/gastroparesis-and-digestive-tract.jpg\" alt=\"gastroparesis and digestive tract\" \/ loading=\"lazy\"><\/picture><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"eplus-MO9wVP eplus-wrapper\">Most of the signs and symptoms of gastroparesis are related to the digestive system. However, just like any health condition, the signs and symptoms of gastroparesis may vary among different individuals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-ifVypj eplus-wrapper\">Below are a series of symptoms associated with the metabolic condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-DkNGL1 eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nausea<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Heartburns<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Abdominal pain<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Vomiting of undigested food<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Early satiety- feeling full after smaller meals<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Abdominal bloating<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Weight loss<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Acid reflux<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Irregularities with blood glucose levels<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Loss of appetite<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Stomach spasms, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-mN0IDg eplus-wrapper\">The severity of the damage to the vagus nerve is responsible for the seriousness of these conditions. Also, symptoms are more likely to occur after taking a <a href=\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/increasing-your-dietary-fiber-intake\/\">diet high in fibers<\/a> or fats, as these foods typically take longer to digest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-QsjLAf eplus-wrapper\">The common complications of diabetes often talked about include vision problems, slowed healing, and kidney and heart-related disorders. However, it is essential to note that gastroparesis is a severe complication of diabetes. Hence, the need for diabetic patients to visit the hospital for regular checkups and monitoring of their condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-1e4ycV wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Gastroparesis Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-nxql1M eplus-wrapper\">Factors that increase the tendency to develop gastroparesis include<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-mXBWGa eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Diabetes: both type 1 and 2<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Gastric surgeries: especially of the esophagus or upper abdomen<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Viral infections<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nervous system disorder, such as Parkinson&#8217;s<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">History of gastric disorders<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Cancers, too, especially when close to the abdominal region, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-d4uc4I eplus-wrapper\">Overall, gastroparesis is an uncommon disorder, even in diabetic patients. However, it is a diabetic complication. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3280088\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><u>report<\/u><\/a> states that it is even more common in type 1 diabetes patients than in type 2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-t5GyWM eplus-wrapper\">Another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gastroparesis\/definition-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><u>report<\/u><\/a> suggests that it is more likely to occur in adult females than males.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-NmIBLc wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Causes: How Does Diabetes Cause Gastroparesis?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-zVPZ95 eplus-wrapper\">If you have been paying attention as you read through this article, we have mentioned the primary cause: vagus nerve damage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-S1jCeI eplus-wrapper\">However, people with diabetes, especially for an extended period, tend to experience an impairment of this nerve, and perhaps some other ones in the body, resulting in the condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-jP8Oom eplus-wrapper\">Diabetes, sometimes, may impair blood vessels that are supposed to transport oxygen and nutrients. So when the blood vessels that ought to supply the vagus nerve, for example too, are affected, it may also result in this condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-BQYBsf wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Complications<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-aajF1l eplus-wrapper\">If not quickly addressed, gastroparesis may become a severe disorder. Below are some of the complications of this disorder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-MEiNch wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Malnutrition<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-TijQ0Y eplus-wrapper\">Lack of appetite and early satisfaction are some of the hallmarks of gastroparesis. Poor appetite may prevent you from taking adequate nutrients to sustain your body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-OxvGid wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Irregular Changes in Blood Sugar Levels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-OaCv7o eplus-wrapper\">Irregularities in food movement from the stomach into the small intestine may cause erratic spikes in blood glucose levels. Though, gastroparesis does not cause diabetes. It, however, makes treatment and management of diabetes extremely difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-lQaDvl wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Bezoars<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-jPlx4P eplus-wrapper\">Extended periods of undigested food remaining in the stomach can cause them to harden, forming solid masses known as bezoar. Bezoars may cause simple disorders like nausea and vomiting, but it may be fatal if it remains for long. It prevents food from getting into the small intestine for proper absorption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-EvK8qE wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Inflammation of the Esophagus<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-lpdF91 eplus-wrapper\">Gastroparesis may cause the esophagus to get inflamed, causing problems with swallowing. Also, in cases of too much vomiting, it may lead to esophagus tears. Gastroparesis needs to be taken seriously, as it may be detrimental to overall health.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-rQaKDl wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Extreme Dehydration<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-qb8xT3 eplus-wrapper\">Frequent vomiting may lead to severe dehydration and extreme thirst.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-OxBg2T eplus-wrapper\">In all, gastroparesis affects the quality of life. It causes erratic spikes in blood sugar levels &#8211; it may be too high or too low. When present in people with diabetes, it makes therapy difficult. In type 1 diabetes, for example, gastroparesis, patients would find it challenging to know the appropriate time to take insulin shots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-ZuCFRX eplus-wrapper\">When sugar levels are too high over extended periods, there&#8217;s an increased risk of the following in diabetic patients.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-37JryW eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Heart-related problems<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Digestive and kidney diseases<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Ketoacidosis<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Eye problems, especially retinopathy<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Amputation<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Neuropathy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-7gkINQ eplus-wrapper\">When sugar levels are too low over, it increases the risks of the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-lnEPG9 eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Diabetic coma &#8211; excessively low blood sugar.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Seizures &#8211; misfiring of electrical impulses in the brain.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Falls and shakiness.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-xrRXVG wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-YceAu8 eplus-wrapper\">Gastroparesis often proves challenging to diagnose because of its similarities with other gastro-intestinal conditions like heartburn and acid reflux. So, if care is not taken, one may continue to treat the symptoms without necessarily addressing the primary cause.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-T9n1IL eplus-wrapper\">Before diagnosing diabetic gastroparesis, your healthcare provider must have considered many factors &#8211; the signs and symptoms you complain about and your medical history, too, may prove vital in diagnosis. Your doctor may then request urine or blood tests to check for complications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-UgVupB eplus-wrapper\">Some of the tests to confirm gastroparesis include<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-Y7EzTr eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Imaging tests:\u00a0 to check for obstructions in the abdomen and stomach.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Barium beefsteak meal or barium x ray: it detects abnormalities in the digestive tract. It involves monitoring how long it takes for digestion to occur.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): a procedure that allows the examination of the alimentary canal &#8211; esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Gastric emptying scintigraphy or radioisotope gastric emptying scan: assesses the ability of the stomach to empty its contents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-7I3MPq wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Treatment and Therapy of Diabetic Gastroparesis<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-7Pf8gX eplus-wrapper\">Control and regulation of blood sugar levels are of the utmost importance for patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Once diagnosed with diabetic gastroparesis, doctors often stress the need to monitor blood sugar levels in such patients, even more than in typical diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-uYm3PG eplus-wrapper\">Therapy and treatment of the condition include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-1uIJNd wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Use of Medications<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-cWTsIH eplus-wrapper\">Your doctor may prescribe the following oral medications to treat gastroparesis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-Z7HRq3 eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Stomach muscle stimulators.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Antiemetics and drugs to reduce nausea vomiting.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Use of NSAIDs for pain management.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-XsHXaW eplus-wrapper\">Adjustments to the dosage and timing of insulin shots, too, may be recommended. Also, people with diabetic gastroparesis must avoid opiates and other drugs that may delay stomach emptying.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-8E4GIb wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Dietary Modifications<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-lYPMn5 eplus-wrapper\">Doctors often recommend changes in dietary plans and eating habits for people with diabetic gastroparesis. You need to avoid high fiber and fatty foods, as these foods take time to digest. Instead, focus more on liquid meals, proteins like eggs and fish; they are easily digestible. Non-starchy fruits and vegetables are also good choices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-ZDbokJ eplus-wrapper\">It is also essential to chew foods well before swallowing. You may need to see a dietitian assist you in working out a suitable dietary plan for the best outcomes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"eplus-aC5KWe wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Gastric Electrical Stimulation<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-POwYr9 eplus-wrapper\">This is used in severe cases where a device is surgically implanted into the stomach. This device releases electrical impulses that promote the simulations of the nerves and stomach muscles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-2AgdXk eplus-wrapper\">In rare cases of gastroparesis, doctors may recommend intravenous nutrition. Here nutrients and fluids enter the blood directly, through feeding tubes bypassing the stomach. It is perfect for regulating blood sugar levels. However, this is only done in severe cases of gastroparesis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-XOEqUl wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-RlNtrl eplus-wrapper\">Healthy nutrition is key to avoiding many metabolic disorders, including diabetic gastroparesis. Avoid junk. Instead, focus more on eating a healthy and nutritious meal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-vAeqxI eplus-wrapper\">When suffering from diabetic gastroparesis, it is, in fact, more important to monitor blood glucose levels than in one with just diabetes. You may not be able to visit your doctor often, so you need to use <a href=\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/app-features\">diabetes management apps<\/a>. These apps help you keep track of your blood glucose levels. A typical example of such an app is Klinio.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In patients suffering from gastroparesis, the stomach contraction is diminished, elongating the time food spends in the stomach before being expelled into the intestine. Diabetes happens to be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":487,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions\/487"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}