What Is Diabetic Gastroparesis and How Does Diabetes Affect Digestion?

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.comShare 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:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank 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/40/5/1318/5487986Isola, 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.0000000000003822Sanders, 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/fulltextTonini, 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.xUranga-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/10261/241840Yarandi, 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/Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! Podcast and MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!