Gastroparesis

• Gastroparesis is a common complication of type 1 diabetes.

• Gastroparesis is the result of damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the movement of food through the digestive system. Instead of the food moving through the digestive tract normally, it is retained in the stomach.

• The vagus nerve becomes damaged after years of poor blood glucose control, resulting in gastroparesis. In turn, gastroparesis contributes to poor blood glucose control.

• Symptoms of gastroparesis include early fullness, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

• Gastroparesis is diagnosed through tests such as x-rays, manometry, and scanning.

• Treatments include changes in when and what you eat, changes in insulin type and timing of injections, oral medications, a jejunostomy, or parenteral nutrition.