[Diabetic gastroparesis]

Diabetic gastroparesis corresponds to symptomatic as well as asymptomatic gastric retention without organic abnormality of stomach, pylorus or gut. This complication associated with autonomic neuropathy is found in about 50% of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It may be clinically important when it is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms limiting quality of life, alterations in glycaemic control and changes in oral drug absorption. In addition, acute changes in blood glucose concentration affect gastric motor function: gastric emptying is slowed down during hyperglycaemia and accelerated during hypoglycaemia. The diagnosis of gastroparesis may be confirmed by scintigraphy assessment of gastric emptying, preferably using a solid meal. Unfortunately, treatment options remain limited and often unsatisfactory. They first rely on life-style and dietary modifications. If necessary, pharmacological agents (metoclopramide, domperidone, cisapride, and erythromycin) may be considered. Cisapride is actually the most powerful agent for chronic use, but the risk of cardiac toxicity (increase of QT with "torsade de pointe") limits its general use. In some diabetic patients, gastroparesis may contribute to erratic glucose excursions, with precocious postprandial hypoglycaemia, late hyperglycaemia, and/or delayed recovery from hypoglycaemia after carbohydrate ingestion. Sometimes, the initiation of intensive insulin therapy and the use of prokinetic drugs could lead to significant improvement of blood glucose control in patients with diabetic gastroparesis.