Abnormal gastric and small intestinal motor function in diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Diabetology

Background:

• Delayed gastric emptying is common in both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Upper gastrointestinal motor disorders contribute significantly to this delay.
• Traditionally, diabetic autonomic neuropathy was considered the primary cause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of delayed gastric emptying in diabetes mellitus.
• To discuss the role of hyperglycemia in reversible gastrointestinal motility impairment.
• To explore the relationship between upper gastrointestinal symptoms, gastric emptying, and glycemic control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on diabetic gastroparesis and upper gastrointestinal motility.
• Analysis of evidence linking hyperglycemia to reversible motility changes.
• Examination of the interplay between gastric emptying, visceroperception, and glycemic control.

Main Results:

• Hyperglycemia induces reversible motility impairments in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Dyspeptic symptoms in diabetes are caused by delayed gastric emptying and altered visceroperception.
• Impaired gastric emptying may influence glycemic control, requiring further clinical investigation.

Conclusions:

• Delayed gastric emptying is a multifactorial issue in diabetes, influenced by both nerve damage and hyperglycemia.
• Dyspeptic symptoms are a key indicator for treating delayed gastric emptying.
• Prokinetic drugs are currently used to manage delayed gastric emptying in diabetic patients.