Gastroparesis in diabetes mellitus: an ultrasonographic study

To investigate diabetic gastro-paresis, a complication of diabetes mellitus and its determinants.

A group of 36 patients with diabetes and 20 healthy controls, with comparable age and sex ratio were investigated with an established ultrasonographic method. A mixed test meal of 400 kcal was given. Antral fasting and postprandial area, postprandial distension and emptying time were assessed. Glucose control was estimated by the measurement of fasting and postprandial glucose as well as by assessing HbA1c.

Antral area was nonsignificantly larger in diabetes mellitus. Postprandial antral area and postprandial antral distension were higher in diabetes than in the controls. The prevalence of gastroparesis was 52.7%, without differences between the two types of diabetes: 53.8% in type I and 52.2% in type II diabetes mellitus. Gastroparesis was associated with poor short and long time control of blood glucose and with positive parasympathetic tests. Gastroparesis did not correlate with symptoms.

Gastroparesis is a real complication in diabetes mellitus and can be documented using an ultrasonographic method. Poor glucose control and autonomic neuropathy are associated with gastroparesis.