This condition is uncommon, but it can be serious
Gastroparesisis a condition that affects the stomach.
It causes a delay in food moving from the stomach into the small intestine.
It might also be called delayed gastric emptying.
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Havingdiabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are not well controlled, is a risk factor for developinggastroparesis.
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What Is Diabetic Gastroparesis and What Causes It?
Diabetes can have an effect on the entire digestive system.
After having the condition for 10 years, people withtype 1 diabeteshave a 5% risk of developing gastroparesis.
In people withtype 2 diabetes, the risk is 1%.
Gastroparesis is a condition that causes the muscles in the stomach to stop working or work too slowly.
Delayed gastric emptying is common in diabetes.
However, gastroparesis is diagnosed only when other symptoms in the digestive system are also present.
Its not completely clear why some people develop diabetic gastroparesis.
Other ways diabetes negatively affects the cells in the stomach may also contribute to gastroparesis.
Whats more, having gastroparesis may make controlling blood glucose more difficult.
Vomiting can also cause a loss of fluids and calories.
The most important one is having uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
They used that term because once it sets in, gastroparesis makes the management of diabetes more difficult.
People may have symptoms long before they are diagnosed with gastroparesis.
The symptom that most often prompts the search for a diagnosis is vomiting.
Symptoms are important, but more evidence will be needed for a diagnosis.
Some medications that might slow stomach emptying may need to be stopped to make a diagnosis.
The treatments used will be based on how much the symptoms are affecting health and quality of life.
Foods that are hard to digest should be restricted or eliminated.
For some, it could also mean theplacement of a feeding tubeand receiving calories that way.
These drugs have the effect of helping the muscles in the stomach contract and move food through.
Surgery and Specialist Procedures
Surgery and special procedures may be considered in some cases.
These include:
Gastroparesis Life Expectancy and Outlook
There currently is no cure for gastroparesis.
Symptoms may come and go over time.
The condition isnt considered to be life-threatening.
However, it can cause complications.
Some complications can be quite serious.
For that reason, its important to get treatment for gastroparesis.
People with diabetic gastroparesis may have a lower-than-usual quality of life.
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the symptoms that may negatively affect people the most.
People with gastroparesis may also have symptoms ofanxietyanddepression.
There is not much good evidence about how gastroparesis may affect life expectancy.
One study showed that people with gastroparesis may have a shorter life span than those without the condition.
Older males who have diabetes, in particular, were affected the most.
People with diabetic gastroparesis will want to work with a healthcare provider to get both conditions under control.
Seeing ahealthcare providerfor mental health issues that may arise is also important.
A healthcare provider may suggest changes to yourdiabetes care plan.
It could include checking blood sugar levels more often or changing or adding diabetes medications.
Receiving care for mental health is also important.
A healthcare provider may also make a referral to a mental healthcare professional.
Summary
Gastroparesis can be a complication of diabetes.
It can cause symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life.
Several treatments are available, ranging from medications to surgery.
Attending to your mental health is also important because gastroparesis can be associated with anxiety and depression.
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