In a nutshell
This article summarizes a presentation on the treatment of autonomic diabetic neuropathy in the gut (gastroparesis). The presentation was given at the 2015 annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). The article concluded that the first goal of treatment is to tightly control blood sugar to prevent autonomic neuropathy from progressing.
Some background
Autonomic neuropathy occurs when the nerves that control bodily functions are damaged, such as those that control the digestion of food. The nerve damage interferes with the messages sent between the brain and other organs. Diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, increases the risk of autonomic neuropathy and other nerve damage. Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy in the gut may include difficulty digesting food, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. There are a variety of treatment options available to deal with autonomic neuropathy of the gut.
Methods & findings
This article is a summary of a presentation on the treatment of autonomic diabetic neuropathy in the gut that was given at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD.
The main treatment is always the achievement of good blood sugar level control. Other treatments can help deal with the symptoms. Changing the diet to take small and more frequent meals and avoiding excessive amount of fat is recommended. Medication can be used to help the stomach empty. These include the drugs metoclopramide (Reglan) and erythromycin (Erythrocin). Domperidone (Motilium) can be used to help with nausea and vomiting. It is recommended that these drugs only be used for a short duration due to side effects.
Gastric electrical stimulation is a treatment approved for unmanageable nausea and vomiting. This is where a small, battery-powered stimulator is implanted beneath the skin of the lower stomach. It delivers mild, controlled electrical pulses to the stomach muscle. Laxatives may be given to ease constipation. Diarrhea may be treated with antibiotics (which prevent the excess growth of bacteria) or a drug called loperamide (Imodium). Stomach pain that persists for a long time can be treated with antidepressants.
The bottom line
The current article concluded that the first goal of treatment is to tightly control blood sugar to prevent autonomic neuropathy from progressing. Other treatments may be useful in controlling symptoms.
The fine print
This type of article is influenced by the opinions and personal feelings of the writers.
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Dec 03, 2015
neuropathy is something I have been dealing with for years mine has spread from my feet and now is up in the thighs. I have had the study’s done to check my stomach for neuropathy 2 times now have been lucky with that but it is always a threat with me even with tightly controlled blood sugar levels and keeping my A1C at 6.2 being high for me and normally keep it around 6 or lower.