Assessment of Gallbladder Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Three-Dimensional Ultrasound

Symptoms related to gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy, which can involve gallbladder, are prevalent in patients with diabetes. We hypothesize that diabetes duration may impact gallbladder volume and motility. This study aims to explore relationships between gallbladder volume parameters and diabetes duration in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with non-diabetic controls. Autonomic neuropathy will also be explored.

In this cross-sectional observational case-control study, matched individuals with longstanding type 2 diabetes, early type 2 diabetes, and non-diabetic controls were included. Gallbladder motility was investigated by gallbladder volume changes measured by three-dimensional ultrasound. Gallbladder volumes were collected at predefined time intervals before and after an intake of a standardized high-fat meal. Autonomic neuropathy was evaluated by cardiovascular (Vagus) and sudomotor (Sudoscan) testing.

Sixty-one adults were included in the final analysis, of which 18 adults had longstanding type 2 diabetes, 15 adults had early type 2 diabetes, and 28 adults were non-diabetic controls. Subjects with longstanding type 2 diabetes had significantly higher fasting gallbladder volume and ejection volume compared to the controls (p=0.020 and p=0.019, respectively). No other significant differences in gallbladder motility were observed. Only five participants had autonomic neuropathy.

Specific gallbladder volumes and motility parameters were associated with diabetes duration. Associations between gallbladder motility and autonomic neuropathy could not be analyzed.