Advances in diabetic gastroparesis

This review addresses the advances in our understanding of the epidemiology and mechanisms in diabetic gastroparesis and dyspepsia. The mechanisms discussed include: blood glucose levels at the time of presentation, "autovagotomy," and the intrinsic innervation (particularly the interstitial cells of Cajal and nitrergic nerves). In animal models of diabetic gastroparesis, there is evidence that homeostatic mechanisms are activated in the enteric nervous system to compensate for the loss of extrinsic innervation. Understanding these advances is key to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and for making rational choices in the management of diabetic gastroparesis and dyspepsia.