In a nutshell
This study investigated whether or not there was a relationship between high HbA1c levels (average blood glucose over 3 months) and delayed gastric emptying. The authors concluded that those with higher HbA1c levels were more likely to experience delayed gastric emptying.
Some background
Gastroparesis is condition where the stomach does not empty as quickly as normally after a meal. Patients with gastroparesis typically experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating and early satiety (the sensation of feeling full quickly). Gastroparesis is common among patients with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). It is unclear, however, whether or not there is a link between HbA1c and gastroparesis.
Methods & findings
This study investigated the possible link between HbA1c levels and gastroparesis. The authors examined the medical records of 299 patients with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). These patients were divided into three groups, depending on their HbA1c level. Group A had an HbA1c less than 7 (recommended), Group B had a level between 7 and 9 and Group C had a level above 9. Gastroparesis was measured by examining the four-hour, average gastric retention value (the measure of what was left in the stomach four hours after a meal). If the patients had a four-hour gastric retention value above 10%, they had gastroparesis.
There was a significant relationship between higher HbA1c levels and the development of gastroparesis. Group A did not experience gastroparesis (on average), whereas the average gastric retention value was 11.5% for Group B and 14.4% for Group C.
Patients with poor glycemic control (Group C) were 2.7 times more likely to have gastroparesis than those with good glycemic control (Group A). Nausea and vomiting were the most common gastroparesis-related symptoms seen in patients with poor glycemic control (Groups B and C).
The bottom line
This study concluded that patients with HbA1c levels above 7 were more likely to experience gastroparesis than patients with HbA1c levels below 7.
The fine print
The majority of patients in this study had type 2 diabetes. More studies (with an equal number of type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients) are needed.
Published By :
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Date :
Oct 27, 2017
