Diabetes and Gastroparesis

A. Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It is a type of neuropathy that affects the nerves of the stomach. The vagus nerve controls the movement of food through the digestive tract. If it is damaged, the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally, and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.
Diabetes can damage the vagus nerve if blood sugar levels remain high for a prolonged period of time. High blood sugar causes chemical changes in nerves and damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
The symptoms you described are typical of gastroparesis. Other symptoms can include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss

If you have Diabetes-related gastroparesis, the most important thing you can do is to manage your blood glucose levels as well as possible. Treatments include insulin, oral medications, changes in what and when you eat, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.
Remember: If you have any questions about symptoms or other issues with respect to living with Diabetes, consult with your physician.