Gastroparesis: Symptoms, Causes, and Connection to Diabetes

When someone has gastroparesis, the muscles in their stomach have trouble functioning, which causes food to move through the stomach more slowly than it should. 

Gastroparesis is commonly a complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can cause damage to nerves in the stomach, affecting how well muscles in the stomach work. This can lead to problems such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Here’s more on the connection between gastroparesis and diabetes, plus tips for managing both conditions. 

What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the muscles in the stomach. Normally, stomach muscles tighten and retract to squeeze food through the digestive tract. With gastroparesis, nerve damage causes these muscles to work improperly, causing digestion to slow or stop.

When the stomach hold its contents for too long, someone may feel “stuffed” and bloated after eating just a small meal. Dr. Joseph Shami, a gastroenterologist based in New Jersey, said he sees varying degrees of intensity with symptoms, which frequently start out as nausea, usually after a meal. This might then progress to loss of appetite, stomach pain, and vomiting. Left untreated, gastroparesis can also lead to malnutrition as the body is absorbing fewer nutrients.

“Other risks associated with gastroparesis include erratic blood sugar levels because of inconsistent stomach emptying, and weight loss because of loss of appetite,” Shami said. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, see your endocrinologist or a healthcare provider who can conduct a gastric emptying scan to confirm the problem.

Why are people with diabetes more prone to gastroparesis?

Diabetes is the most common cause of gastroparesis. Research has found that up to 5% of people with type 1 diabtes and 1% of those with type 2 go on to develop it. If glucose levels go unmonitored for many years, over time high levels of blood sugar can damage nerves, including ones that control muscles in the stomach.

“There are several factors involved in stomach emptying in relation to blood glucose levels,” Shami said. “Elevated blood glucose levels may have a direct impact on the stomach muscle function.”

Gastroparesis most commonly starts around 10 years following a diabetes diagnosis or sooner if blood sugar levels aren’t managed. Those with gastroparesis often have other diabetes complications including vision problems, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney disease. 

Medications can also trigger gastroparesis or exacerbate it. These include certain allergy medications, antidepressants, pain relievers, blood pressure medication, and diabetes drugs. GLP-1 agonists including Ozempic (semaglutide) may cause severe gastrointestinal issues including delayed gastric emptying and stomach paralysis. 

If you have diabetes and have also been diagnosed with gastroparesis or are experiencing symptoms, it’s best to avoid GLP-1s and speak to your healthcare provider about another form of therapy. 

Can gastroparesis be cured?

Anyone experiencing severe nausea and other uncomfortable and even debilitating symptoms wants to know the big question – when will it stop? 

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for gastroparesis. It’s a chronic condition that does not go away (unless caused by medication, in which case stopping should resolve symptoms). The only way to treat gastroparesis is by managing symptoms, which may include lifestyle changes, blood sugar management, and medication. 

Tips for people with diabetes and gastroparesis

Though different conditions, diabetes and gastroparesis both impact glucose levels. That’s why it’s important to take diabetes medications as prescribed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels; high blood sugar can make existing gastroparesis worse.

Other tips for people with diabetes and gastroparesis include: 

• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals. This can help keep the amount of food in the stomach at a manageable level.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat and fiber, as these can slow down digestion and delay stomach emptying further.
• Drink lots of water – 6 to 8 cups a day is recommended for adults. 
• Avoid lying down right after eating. This can cause stomach contents to move into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and other problems.
• Consult with a doctor about medications that improve stomach muscle function, which can help food move through the stomach more quickly.
• Manage your stress and anxiety, as these can contribute to stomach problems.
• Limit or avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
• Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
• Get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, as they can help monitor diabetes and gastroparesis and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re on any medications and experience worsening symptoms of gastroparesis.

Even though people with diabetes are more likely to develop gastroparesis, following the tips above can help you manage gastroparesis and improve symptoms.

Learn more about preventing and managing diabetes-related complications here:

• Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What’s the Connection?
• Could an Intestinal Procedure Be the Future of Type 2 Diabetes Therapy?
• Gut Microbiome and Optimal Health: Unleashing the Power of Probiotics and Fiber-Rich Foods

Last updated 8/26/2024