Hyperglycaemia affects proximal gastric motor and sensory function in normal subjects

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Physiology

Background:

• Hyperglycaemia is known to delay gastric emptying through unclear mechanisms.
• It may also influence the perception of bodily sensations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of hyperglycaemia on proximal stomach motor function.
• To evaluate how hyperglycaemia impacts the perception of gastric distension in healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• Ten healthy volunteers participated in a randomized, paired study design.
• Gastric distension was performed using a barostat in the proximal stomach under both euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions (blood glucose ~15 mmol/l).
• Perception of fullness, desire to belch, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and hunger were scored at each distension step.

Main Results:

• Hyperglycaemia significantly increased proximal gastric compliance, indicating reduced gastric tone (P < 0.01).
• Subjects reported increased nausea and desire to belch during hyperglycaemia compared to euglycaemia (P < 0.05).
• Perception of abdominal discomfort, fullness, and hunger remained unaffected by hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions:

• Hyperglycaemia reduces proximal gastric tone, which may explain delayed gastric emptying.
• Increased perception of nausea and urge to belch during gastric distension is associated with hyperglycaemia.