[Gastric bezoar in diabetes mellitus. 3 cases (author's transl)]

Diabetic gastroparesis is the gastric manifestation of diabetic autonomic neuropathy and may result, on rare occasions, in the formation of a bezoar. This was the case in 3 patients (two women aged 36 and 66 and a 19-year-old man) whose insulin-dependent diabetes was complicated with neuropathy. All patients had marked glycaemic instability apparently related to digestive function. In one patient, a stable normoglycaemic state was obtained by continuous intravenous administration of carbohydrates until the bezoar had disappeared. In the other two patients, who had a long history of neglected digestive disorders, the bezoars provided intractable. In diabetics with dyspeptic symptoms, and particularly when neuropathy is present, it would be advisable to investigate for gastroparesis in order to prevent the development of a bezoar by dietetic and therapeutic measures.