Gastroparesis: A Complication Of Diabetes
Gastroparesis: A Complication of Diabetes What it is and how it's diagnosed and treated in people with diabetes Reviewed by Amy Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE "Gastro" means stomach and "paresis" means impairment or paralysis. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a variety of unpleasant but non-specific digestive symptoms, gastroparesis may be the culprit. Upper abdominal bloating, distention, discomfort, nausea, and vomiting are all symptoms of this disorder. Gastroparesis can occur when the vagus nerve, which controls the movement of food through the digestive tract, stops working or becomes damaged; the movement of food is thus slowed or stopped. If you have this problem, the ability of your stomach to grind up food is reduced or lost entirely. Your system doesnt break up food into smaller pieces, and food stays in the stomach longer than normal instead of moving on to the intestines and the bowel as it should. In diabetes, high blood sugar can contribute to the development of gastroparesis because over a long period of time, if blood sugar levels stay high, diabetes damages the vagus nerve. 1 The stomach is a neuromuscular organ that receives the food we ingest, mixes the food with acid and pepsin, and empties the nutrients into the small intestine for absorption. The stomach or fundus relaxes in order to receive the swallowed food (that's called receptive relaxation). The body and antrum then mix and empty the food using gastric peristalic waves. The peristaltic contractions are paced by electrical events called pacesetter potentials or slow waves. The motility of your GI tract is controlled by an outer sleeve of muscles that surrounds the GI tract. They are controlled by a complex nervous system. Diabetes can damage these nerves, and it is this neurol Continue reading >>
Gastroparesis
What is gastroparesis? Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Normally, the muscles of the stomach, which are controlled by the vagus nerve, contract to break up food and move it through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The movement of muscles in the GI tract, along with the release of hormones and enzymes, allows for the digestion of food. Gastroparesis can occur when the vagus nerve is damaged by illness or injury and the stomach muscles stop working normally. Food then moves slowly from the stomach to the small intestine or stops moving altogether. What causes gastroparesis? Most people diagnosed with gastroparesis have idiopathic gastroparesis, which means a health care provider cannot identify the cause, even with medical tests. Diabetes is the most common known cause of gastroparesis. People with diabetes have high levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the vagus nerve. Other identifiable causes of gastroparesis include intestinal surgery and nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. For reasons that are still unclear, gastroparesis is more commonly found in women than in men. What are the symptoms of gastroparesis? The most common symptoms of gastroparesis are nausea, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, and vomiting undigested food—sometimes several hours after a meal. Other symptoms of gastroparesis include gastroesophageal reflux (GER), also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation—a condition in which stomach contents flow back Continue reading >>
Bloating, Constipation And Diabetes: How I Fixed My Stomach Problems
Bloating, Constipation and Diabetes: How I Fixed My Stomach Problems Do you ever feel like the food you eat is working against you? Ive been suffering from severe bloating and constipation for years. It got so bad it was significantly impacting my health and happiness. Ive seen an amazing amount of doctors and gastroenterologists. Ive been put through a lot of tests and prescribed all sorts of medication without any of it truly helping. It wasnt until recently I finally found the root cause of my problems and my symptoms (mostly) disappeared. I tell you: its a brand new, happier, and more comfortable world for me! After all the specialists I have seen, it ended up being my hubby who found the right diagnosis though Google searching my symptoms. Usually, I REALLY dont recommend this approach, but the medical system had quite frankly failed me this time. It turns out I have a FODMAP intolerance. By doing a 6-week elimination of specific foods and a 4-week reintroduction, Ive been able to identify the foods my body disagrees with and eliminate or reduce them in my diet. Now almost all of my digestive issues have been resolved (!). FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols. In simpler terms, FODMAPs are carbohydrates (sugars) found in some foods. The issue for people intolerant to FODMAPs is that these sugars can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine and start fermenting with bacteria creating gas (here comes the bloat). They can also give other symptoms like constipation or diarrhea. The tricky part is that not all sugars are FODMAP and its really not intuitive which ones are. I ended up buying an app from MONASH University so I can look up foods on the go. Also, you can have an intolerance to some but not all FODMAP f Continue reading >>
4 Easy Ways To Reduce Gas And Bloating
Bloating can really put a sour note on your day. You don't feel good, your clothes don't fit right and the side effects can be a little embarrassing. However, there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort you feel while bloated. First, it's important to understand where bloating stems from so you can alter your habits accordingly. If bloating still occurs, there are some easy tips and tricks you can follow in order to reduce your symptoms. Read this article to find out more about why you might feel bloated and how to reduce your bloating quickly and effectively. COMMON CAUSES OF BLOATING Bloating can be caused by a wide variety of factors. In some cases, it's a medical condition or emotional state that you can't help. In other situations, it could be from the foods you're eating. Here's a list of the top causes of bloating to help you understand where this condition stems from: Chronic conditions: Celiac disease, lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome are all chronic conditions with which bloating is a common side effect. With irritable bowel syndrome, the bloating may be a reaction to certain foods or changes in bowel function. Bloating with celiac disease and lactose intolerance is related to the inability to digest or absorb certain foods or ingredients. Acute conditions: Problems in the gastrointestinal area, like an infection or blockage, may also lead to bloating. Premenstrual syndrome: Many women experience bloating during PMS due to increased water retention. Smoking: The increased air intake that occurs while smoking cigarettes can lead to bloating. Stress: Hormonal changes due to stress may cause some bloating. Also, stress can sometimes lead to poor digestion which can also lead to bloating. Poor food choices: Some foods are more likely to Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes Guide
Over time, diabetes can affect many parts of your body. One of those is the vagus nerve, which controls how quickly your stomach empties. When it's damaged, your digestion slows down and food stays in your body longer than it should. This is a condition called gastroparesis. It can make you feel queasy and vomit. It's also bad for your blood sugar levels. Although it's more common in people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 can also get it. Most people with gastroparesis have had diabetes for at least 10 years and also have other complications related to the disease. You may have: Heartburn or reflux (backup of stomach contents into the esophagus) Vomiting (in severe cases, this may happen daily) Feeling full quickly when eating Food that stays in your stomach too long can spoil and lead to the growth of bacteria. Undigested food can harden and form a lump called a bezoar. It can block your stomach and keep what you eat from moving into the small intestine. Gastroparesis can make it hard to control diabetes. When food finally does leave your stomach and enters the small intestine, your blood sugar goes up, too. Throwing up can also leave you dehydrated. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. He’ll also do a physical exam, and he may check your blood sugar. He might also suggest other tests. Barium X-ray: You drink a liquid (barium), which coats your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and shows up on X-rays. This test is also known as an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series or a barium swallow. Barium beefsteak meal: You eat a meal with barium in it, and the doctor uses an X-ray to watch how long it takes you to digest the food. That tells your doctor how quickly your stomach empties. Radioisotope gastric-emptying scan: You eat food that has a radioactive Continue reading >>
Seriously Bloated: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
We’re seeing a virtual epidemic of bloating these days. The causes range from benign yet bothersome conditions like lactose intolerance to serious diagnoses like cancer. But how do you know whether your bloating is a nuisance or a sign of something more worrisome? You’re seriously bloated when your symptoms are caused by a condition that requires immediate medical attention. It’s important to be familiar with the warning signs and symptoms that might indicate something ominous, as well as the nine diagnoses associated with serious bloating, and what to do about them. Warning Signs and Symptoms Weight loss is one of the main warning signs for serious bloating. If you find yourself losing more than a few pounds without changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, that should be cause for concern, especially if it’s 10 percent or more of your body weight. Weight loss can be caused by tumors that press on the intestines, making you feel full after just a small amount of food, or from substances secreted by tumors that suppress your appetite. Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. Ascites is usually caused by liver disease, but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. A large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like you’re several months pregnant. The combination of bloating and jaundice, which turns the eyes and skin yellow, can be a sign of cancer that’s spread to the liver, although it can also occur with more benign forms of liver disease like hepatitis. Severe abdominal pain and bloating that occur suddenly, especially if you also have nausea and vomiting, may be a sign of a bowel obstruction from scar tissue or a tumor pressing on th Continue reading >>
Guess Where Your Bloating Symptoms Are Coming From
Are you perturbed by bloating symptoms? Is previously good food turning against you and instead of nourishment, you get abdominal distention, gas, and digestive discomfort? Is this a sign of aging, a normal phenomenon, or is there something about that distended belly? What causes bloating? Please, not another diet for bloating… In search for abdominal comfort, to maintain social grace and peace of mind while choosing pants many of us seek the advice of Dr. Google. Wasn’t that the case for you today? Didn’t Dr. Google prompt you to read this article while you were searching for answers for bloating symptoms? Well, it is your lucky day. You will not have to go on another diet to soothe your internal organs. Instead this article will give you a bit of insight as to where your bloating symptoms may be coming from. Be prepared for a surprise. Low carb diet, then keep your sugar! The internet is full of advice as to which diet is best for a happy belly. You can chose gluten-free, FOODMAP, low-carb, and a thousands more versions of belly-flattening food combinations. By now you are already steering away from onions, beans, broccoli, cabbage, green peppers, milk products, and alike in hopes that your belly will be less likely to explode. bloating gas and inflammatory foods Yes, a belly-friendly diet can bring soothing relief to those overstretched waist lines, but while happy with temporary results you need to give consideration as to how long you are planning to be on a food-restricted diet. Are you OK with a life-long commitment of checking every restaurant meal coming your way? Will you not mind removing nutritious food groups from your menu? Before you embark on a nutrient restricted life you should consider the cause behind your bloating symptoms. Causes of bloating Continue reading >>
Embarrassing Body Problems You Need To Know About
Got bad breath? Toenail fungus? Problems in the bedroom? You're not alone—and these could be signs of more serious issues Continue reading >>
Why Am I So Bloated?
Although this question is not only related to people who have diabetes, I found it interesting. It is often asked and is well worth exploring. Feel free to write to us if you have a question or concern. We are looking forward to giving you an accurate answer. Why am I so bloated? Can it be related to my diabetes? Over 10 million people in the U.S. complain about bloating and stomach issues, which may be corrected by a few simple changes. Bloating is “air in the intestines”, which has several causes – including over-indulging in fatty and salty foods. Let’s explore some other possible reasons. One of the most common oral medications prescribed for diabetes type 2 is Metformin, which targets the liver to produce less glucose. Metformin is cheap (free in Publix supermarkets which are located in Florida and the south), but can have the common side effects of bloating, stomach gas pains and diarrhea. Most physicians are fully aware of these problems and try to start on a low dose of medication which is gradually increased. This allows the body to acclimate without GI symptoms. If Metformin causes severe stomach issues, talk to your physician about Glumetza. Glumetza is a slow release variation given only once a day. Although it is more expensive, it may have fewer side effects. If you take Metformin, do not take it on an empty stomach. Either take a few bites of your meal prior to taking the pill or take it directly after eating your entire breakfast or dinner. The timing of the medication will reduce GI side effects. Research states that “berberine may have similar properties of Metformin without the GI side effects.” A small study published by the N.I.H. showed it did have a positive effect on lowering blood sugars and lipid levels. Berberine is a Chinese herb Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes And Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder of the digestive tract that causes food to remain in the stomach for a period of time that is longer than average. This occurs because the nerves that move food through the digestive tract are damaged, so muscles don’t work properly. As a result, food sits in the stomach undigested. The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes. It can develop and progress over time, especially in those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The following are symptoms of gastroparesis: heartburn nausea vomiting of undigested food early fullness after a small meal weight loss bloating loss of appetite blood glucose levels that are hard to stabilize stomach spasms acid reflux Gastroparesis symptoms may be minor or severe, depending on the damage to the vagus nerve, a long cranial nerve that extends from the brain stem to the abdominal organs, including those of the digestive tract. Symptoms can flare up any time, but are more common after the consumption of high-fiber or high-fat foods, all of which are slow to digest. Women with diabetes have a high risk for developing gastroparesis. Other conditions can compound your risk of developing the disorder, including previous abdominal surgeries or a history of eating disorders. Diseases and conditions other than diabetes can cause gastroparesis, such as: viral infections acid reflux disease smooth muscle disorders Other illnesses can cause gastroparesis symptoms, including: Parkinson’s disease chronic pancreatitis cystic fibrosis kidney disease Turner’s syndrome Sometimes no known cause can be found, even after extensive testing. People who have gastroparesis have damage to their vagus nerve. This impairs nerve function and digestion because the impulses needed to chu Continue reading >>
When Diabetes Leads To A Lazy Stomach: The Goods On Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis doesn’t sound good, and it isn’t. Literally “stomach paralysis,” it is a form of diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, that is a common complication of diabetes. The damaged nerve in question is the vagus nerve, named for its vagabond-like wandering nature. The vagus nerve meanders all the way from the brainstem to the colon, controlling heart rate, sweating, gastrointestinal contractions, and various other involuntary, automatic functions on its way. In the case of gastroparesis, it’s the vagus nerve’s control of stomach contractions that’s damaged. The stomach is basically a hollow ball made of muscle that serves as a storage container and mixing bowl for food. It’s about the size of a small melon, but it can stretch to hold nearly a gallon if you really press the issue. In healthy people, wave-like contractions of the stomach, prompted by the vagus nerve, crush and churn your food into small particles and mix it up with enzymes and acids produced by the stomach’s inner lining. Then the stomach contractions, coming along in waves at about three per minute, slowly and evenly propel the pulverized food out through the pyloric valve, which opens just enough to release an eighth of an ounce of food at a time. From there it’s down the small intestine, where the real nutrient absorption occurs. It can take four hours to empty your stomach into your small intestine, especially if you’ve eaten fat, which slows the process down. If the vagus nerve has been damaged by years of high blood sugars, the process hits a snag. The walls of the stomach, paralyzed by the lack of vagus nerve stimulation, don’t make their muscular wave-like contractions. As a result, food just sticks around in the stomach, unpulverized and going nowhere. It may sit an Continue reading >>
Diabetes And The Gastrointestinal Tract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common among all people, including those affected by diabetes. At some point in any patient's life, the chances that he or she will develop a GI tract problem, be it peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, or some other malady, are extremely high. As many as 75% of patients visiting diabetes clinics will report significant GI symptoms. The entire GI tract can be affected by diabetes from the oral cavity and esophagus to the large bowel and anorectal region. Thus, the symptom complex that may be experienced can vary widely. Common complaints may include dysphagia, early satiety, reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many patients go undiagnosed and under-treated because the GI tract has not been traditionally associated with diabetes and its complications. Both acute and chronic hyperglycemia can lead to specific GI complications. Diabetes is a systemic disease that may affect many organ systems, and the GI tract is no exception. As with other complications of diabetes, the duration of the disorder and poor glycemic control seem to be associated with more severe GI problems. Patients with a history of retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy should be presumed to have GI abnormalities until proven otherwise, and this is best determined by asking a few simple questions. (See "Patient Information".) Many GI complications of diabetes seem to be related to dysfunction of the neurons supplying the enteric nervous system. Just as the nerves in the feet may be affected in peripheral neuropathy, involvement of the intestinal nerves may lead to enteric neuropathy. This is a type of autonomic or "involuntary" neuropathy and may lead to abnormalities in intestinal motility, sensat Continue reading >>
Relief For Diabetes Stomach Pain
Managing diabetes often brings changes in what we eat and the medications we take. You may also notice some changes in how your gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, feels, sounds, and responds. Changes in eating You are likely making changes in eating habits, including more foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans. Fiber can be filling without adding unwanted calories, and it can help improve abnormal cholesterol levels. But there may be a few uh-ohs if you rapidly increase the amount you eat. "Gas and bloating are a side effect of fiber," says Judith Wylie-Rosett, Ed.D., R.D., professor of health promotion and nutrition research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. "Increasing your intake gradually may help." She suggests adding legumes, such as beans and lentils, to increase dietary fiber. "Throwing out the water you soak them in and giving them an extra rinse before cooking may also help decrease the gas and bloating," she says. Glucose-lowering meds Several prescription medications used to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes can stir up your gut. Experts tend to suggest that you start with a low dose and slowly increase it based on your provider's instructions. Metformin Metformin, the typical starting medication in type 2 diabetes to bring blood glucose levels in range, can lead to heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. Ralph DeFronzo, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of the diabetes division at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, says, "I try to use metformin in all of my patients who have type 2 diabetes. When there is a problem, it is diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. There are 5-10 percent of people who just can't tolerate it." Typically, metformin is started at a low dose and increased Continue reading >>
6 Emergency Complications Of Type 2 Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check — that means maintaining good blood sugar control — and knowing how to recognize a problem and what to do about it should one occur, you can prevent many of these serious complications of diabetes. Heart Attack Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately: Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms Shortness of breath Nausea or lightheadedness Stroke If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Stroke warning signs may include: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body Feeling confused Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason Nerve Damage People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection Continue reading >>
Saying Bye-bye To Bloating
If you’re like many people, you’ve probably experienced the dreaded “belly bloat” at one time or another. Belly bloating is a result of excess air in your digestive tract. You know the feeling: Your stomach is puffed out and hard, your waistband is digging into you, and maybe you have those uncomfortable gas pains. You might also have symptoms of gas (flatulence), burping, or a rumbling stomach, as your body tries to get rid of excess air. Causes of belly bloating There are a lot of reasons for being bloated. Certain medical conditions may be the cause. These include: • Irritable bowel syndrome • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) • Gastroparesis • Heartburn • Fluid retention due to cancer, liver disease, or kidney failure • Celiac disease • Pancreatic insufficiency • Perforation of the digestive tract • Food intolerance • Parasite infection • Certain medications • Stress or anxiety Some of these causes are, of course, very serious and require medical attention. On the other hand, belly bloating (as bothersome as it is) may be due to overindulging (think second or third helpings of Thanksgiving dinner, for example). And, in many instances, belly bloating is caused by consuming certain foods and beverages. Let’s take a look at some of the common culprits. Sugar-free foods. Foods labeled as being “sugar-free” have a certain appeal to people who have diabetes, as well as to people who are cutting back on calories. Sugar-free foods, by definition, are foods or drinks that contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. Artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame, sucralose, and stevia) and/or sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol) are usually added to replace sugar and provide sweetness. Continue reading >>
