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Gastroparesis diabeticorum; Delayed gastric emptying; Diabetes - gastroparesis; Diabetic neuropathy - gastroparesis DefinitionGastroparesis is a condition that reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its solid contents. It does not involve a blockage (obstruction) of the outlet of the stomach. CausesThe exact cause of gastroparesis is unknown. It may be caused by a disruption of nerve signals to the stomach. The condition is a common complication of diabetes. It can also follow some surgeries. Risk factors for gastroparesis include:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
Exams and TestsTests you may need include:
TreatmentPeople with diabetes should always control their blood sugar level. Better control of blood sugar level may improve symptoms of gastroparesis. Eating small and more frequent meals and soft/pureed foods (called a small-particle diet) may also help relieve some symptoms. Medicines that may help include:
Other treatments may include:
If weight loss and malnutrition have occurred, a feeding tube may be inserted into the small intestine to give food until symptoms are better. Outlook (Prognosis)Many treatments, especially medicines, seem to provide only temporary benefit or have side effects when used for a long time. Gastroparesis is a chronic condition. Management of flare-ups may be helped by the use of diet and medicines. Endoscopic or surgical myotomy often provides a long-term improvement. Possible ComplicationsOngoing nausea and vomiting may cause:
People with diabetes may have serious complications from poor blood sugar control. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalChanges in your diet may help control symptoms. Contact your health care provider if symptoms continue or if you have new symptoms. ReferencesCarmilleri M. Disorders of gastrointestinal motility. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 122. Camilleri M, Kuo B, Nguyen L. ACG Clinical Guideline: Gastroparesis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(8):1197-1220. PMID: 35926490 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35926490/. Koch KL. Gastric neuromuscular function and neuromuscular disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 50. | ||
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Review Date: 10/30/2024 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | ||
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