Gastroparesis And How It Affects Diabetics
According to urgent care professionals, Gastroparesis is a type of nerve damage in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, and often it can be associated with diabetes or an underlying digestive disorder. Gastroparesis affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This type of nerve damage can be caused by long periods of high blood sugar, and delayed digestion makes the management of diabetes more difficult.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis include the following:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Vomiting of undigested food
- Weight loss
- Early feeling of fullness when eating
- Erratic blood sugar levels
- Gastro-esophageal reflux
- Spasms of the stomach wall
- Abdominal bloating
Gastroparesis can make diabetes worse by making it difficult to manage blood sugar levels. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood sugar levels rise. Additionally, if food stays too long in the stomach, it can cause problems such as bacterial overgrowth because the food has fermented. The food can also harden into solid masses that may cause nausea, vomiting, and obstruction in the stomach. The diagnosis of gastroparesis is often diagnosed and confirmed through one or more tests such as the barium X-ray, gastric manometry, blood tests, or radioisotope gastric-emptying scan.
With diabetic gastroparesis, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels as well as you possibly can. Some treatments of diabetic gastroparesis include insulin, oral medications, changes in diet, and in severe cases, the person may need feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.
It is important to note that in most cases, treatment does not cure diabetic gastroparesis and it is usually a chronic condition. Treatment will help you manage the symptoms so that you can be as healthy and comfortable as possible. If you think you may be suffering from any of the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, it is important to seek medical attention in order to receive appropriate instructions related to the management of your symptoms and treatment recommendations.
Visit one of our Healthpointe locations in Southern California if you need to see a doctor.
For more information about diabetes management, contact any of our clinics today, such as the one in Colton by Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net.