What Is Diabetic Gastroparesis and How Does Diabetes Affect Digestion?

ENCORE Research Group

Today we delve into the intricate relationship between diabetes and gastrointestinal health, focusing on a condition known as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis slows down the stomach's ability to empty food, a condition exacerbated by diabetes. The episode explores how diabetes disrupts the normal functioning of the enteric nervous system—our body's "second brain" that governs gut movements. This system, rich with neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal, orchestrates the rhythmic contractions of the gut's smooth muscles but is vulnerable to the high blood sugars characteristic of uncontrolled diabetes. The resultant neuronal damage and impaired muscle function slow stomach and intestinal transit, complicate nutrient absorption, and worsen diabetic symptoms. We also cover current treatments for gastroparesis, such as dietary modifications and medications that target dopamine receptors, offering hope and management strategies for those affected.
Participate in clinical research!
www.ENCOREdocs.com

Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the ENCORE Research Group podcast to be notified when new episodes are released.
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tiktok
For more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence podcast. www.MedEvidence.com
Thank you for listening!
References:
Aswath, G.S. et al. (2017). Diabetic Gastroparesis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430794/
Bharucha, A. E. et al. (2019). Diabetic gastroparesis. Endocrine reviews, 40(5), 1318-1352. https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/40/5/1318/5487986
Isola, S., Hussain, A., Dua, A., Singh, K., & Adams, N. (2018). Metoclopramide. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519517/
Puoti, M. G., Assa, A., Benninga, M., Broekaert, I. J., Carpi, F. J. M., Saccomani, M. D., ... & Borrelli, O. (2023). Drugs in focus: Domperidone. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 77(2), e13-e22. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003822
Sanders, K. M., Koh, S. D., Ro, S., & Ward, S. M. (2012). Regulation of gastrointestinal motility—insights from smooth muscle biology. Nature reviews Gastroenterology & hepatology, 9(11), 633-645. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4793911/
Sugumar, A., Singh, A., & Pasricha, P. J. (2008). A systematic review of the efficacy of domperidone for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, 6(7), 726-733. https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(08)00241-3/fulltext
Tonini, M., Cipollina, L., Poluzzi, E., Crema, F., Corazza, G. R., & De Ponti, F. (2004). Clinical implications of enteric and central D2 receptor blockade by antidopaminergic gastrointestinal prokinetics. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 19(4), 379-390. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01867.x
Uranga-Ocio, J. A., Bastús-Díez, S., Delkáder-Palacios, D., García-Cristóbal, N., Leal-García, M. Á., & Abalo, R. (2015). Enteric neuropathy associated to diabetes mellitus. https://digital.csic.es/handle/10261/241840
Yarandi, S. S., & Srinivasan, S. (2014). Diabetic gastrointestinal motility disorders and the role of enteric nervous system: current status and future directions. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 26(5), 611-624. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104990/