In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of gender and various factors such as disease duration, age, blood sugar level and weight with gastroparesis in type 2 diabetes patients.
Some background
Some patients who have had type 2 diabetes for a long time can develop gastroparesis. Their stomach empties at an abnormally low rate and this leads to symptoms such as nausea, fullness and inability to complete a meal. Characterizing gastroparesis, by identifying which patients experience this condition, may help to identify risk factors and patients who sould be monitored more carefully for development of gastroparesis.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether gender, disease duration, age, HbA1c (levels of blood glucose [sugar] over the last three months) and body mass index (BMI, a measurement based in height and weight) were associated with the occurrence of gastroparesis in type 2 diabetes patients.
The study consisted of 382 type 2 diabetes patients from Israel– 209 males and 173 females. The patients’ medical records of diabetes and the presence of any other conditions were examined. Patients were asked to fill out a survey to indicate the presence and severity of gastroparesis.
Females experienced significantly more gastroparesis symptoms at a significantly higher severity than males, including nausea, fullness and loss of appetite. Specifically, female sex was found to increase the risk of experiencing gastroparesis symptoms by 83%. This finding was found to be independent of factors such as disease duration, age, HbA1c or BMI.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the occurrence and severity of gastroparesis in type 2 diabetes is higher in females than in males.
The fine print
Individual symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis were measured based on participant perception, rather than a clinical diagnosis which was unavailable. Hence, the findings of this study may not accurately reflect the occurrence of clinical gastroparesis in males and females. Also, the authors acknowledged that other factors may have influenced results. For example, some patients may have had other conditions or been taking medications which caused side effects associated with the gastroparesis symptoms being tested.
What’s next?
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about gastroparesis, particularly if you are female.
Published By :
Gastroenterology
Date :
Feb 19, 2014
