Diabetic gastroenteropathy: An underdiagnosed complication

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Diabetology

Background:

• Diabetic gastroenteropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus.
• It affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, impacting quality of life.
• Factors like hyperglycemia and neural dysfunction contribute to its development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of diabetic gastroenteropathy.
• To cover pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Analysis of prevalence and incidence data.
• Evaluation of diagnostic tools like scintigraphy, breath tests, and endoscopic capsules.

Main Results:

• Cumulative incidence at 10 years is 5.2% for type 1 and 1% for type 2 diabetes.
• Women with type 1 diabetes show higher susceptibility (5.8% vs 3.5%).
• Gastrointestinal symptoms are 70% higher in diabetic patients, affecting esophagus (60%), causing constipation (60%), and diarrhea (20%).

Conclusions:

• Diabetic gastroenteropathy lacks a cure but can be managed.
• Multidisciplinary management includes nutritional advice, glycemic control, prokinetics, and anti-emetics.
• Surgical options and gastric electrical stimulation are emerging treatments.