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Gastric emptying in diabetes: an overview
M Horowitz1, J M Wishart, K L Jones
1Department of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Diabetes can significantly impact gastric emptying, with blood glucose levels directly influencing digestion speed. Understanding these effects is key to managing diabetic gastroparesis and improving glycemic control.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Gastric emptying is frequently delayed in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus.
- The effect of disordered gastric emptying in early Type 2 diabetes is debated, with some evidence suggesting acceleration.
- Acute blood glucose fluctuations significantly affect gastric motor function and emptying rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between blood glucose concentration and gastric emptying in diabetes.
- To investigate the pathophysiology of delayed gastric emptying and associated gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetic patients.
- To assess the potential of modulating gastric emptying for optimizing glycemic control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gastric emptying in diabetes.
- Analysis of the relationship between blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia) and gastric emptying rates.
- Examination of the correlation between upper gastrointestinal symptoms and objectively measured gastric emptying delays.
Main Results:
- An inverse relationship exists between blood glucose concentration and gastric emptying rate: slower during hyperglycemia, faster during hypoglycemia.
- The motor dysfunctions causing delayed gastric emptying in diabetes are diverse.
- Correlation between upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed gastric emptying is often poor, though blood glucose modulates sensory perception.
Conclusions:
- Blood glucose concentration critically influences gastric emptying and gastrointestinal sensation in diabetic individuals.
- Modulating gastric emptying through diet or medication may help optimize glycemic control.
- Further understanding of the pathophysiology is essential for developing better treatments for symptomatic gastroparesis in diabetes.