Gastroparesis and diabetes
According to Dr. Avinash B, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital (India), one of the common causes of gastroparesis is damage to the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body, and it controls the movement of food through the stomach and digestive tract. Since the brain and digestive system are connected via the vagus nerve, it sends signals from the brain to the gut and vice versa.
When the vagus nerve does not function properly, stomach motility is disrupted, resulting in gastroparesis. This condition is also known as gastroparesis.
If blood sugar is not well controlled over a long period of time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, including the vagus nerve. In addition, high blood sugar can damage small blood vessels (including the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to nerves), which reduces the ability of nerves to heal and increases the risk of damage.
Nerve damage that causes gastroparesis can become serious if diabetes is not controlled.
At the same time, damage to the vagus nerve also causes the stomach muscles to weaken and not contract effectively, leading to undigested food or slow metabolism, causing symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety.
Blood sugar control
Dr. Avinash B advises that controlling blood sugar levels is very important in preventing complications of diabetes, including gastroparesis. When blood sugar levels are unstable, it can cause further damage to the nerves and make gastroparesis worse.
Diabetics need to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and seek medical help to prevent or promptly treat related complications, including gastroparesis.
