Diabetic Gastroparesis: What you need to know
Gastroparesis is a rare GI condition that delays gastric emptying and impacting the diabetic population. According to recent studies, gastroparesis is estimated to affect five million people in the US.1,2
Billing Partner Solutions supports the efforts in raising awareness to Gastroparesis. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a registered nonprofit education and research organization working hard to gain a better understanding of GI disorders and raising awareness to improve quality of life for those affected. 2
There are three “subdivisions” of gastroparesis including diabetic, idiopathic, and post-surgical. 1
Among these, Diabetes is the most known cause for gastroparesis. Considering majority of our clients serve a heavy population of diabetic patients, we want to focus this article on diabetic gastroparesis and shine a light on this condition and bring awareness with the hope of helping the quality of life in for patients with Diabetic Gastroparesis.
Diabetic Gastroparesis:
According to the CDC statistics in January 2022, 37.3 million Americans (equating to ~1 in 10 people) have diabetes. 3 Based on recent studies ~50% of diabetic patients also have gastroparesis.2 Diabetic patients are at higher risk of multiple conditions including, Cardiovascular disease, Neuropathy, nephropathy, foot damage, skin and mouth conditions, and the list continues.
Out of all the commonly listed conditions that diabetic patients experience, why isn’t gastroparesis listed?
Diabetic Gastroparesis may be uncommon, based on the number of diagnosed cases, but the symptoms of gastroparesis are presenting in diabetic patients more then we realize yet patients may not know to inform their doctors or understand how serious it could be for their quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Retching (dry heaving)
- Stomach fullness after a normal size meal
- Satiety (early fullness), not able to finish a meal
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Stomach discomfort and/or pain
It is important for healthcare providers to ask diabetic patients if they are experiencing any digestive symptoms related to gastroparesis.
Studies have shown that up to 50% of people with diabetes have delayed gastric emptying but they may not be experiencing the symptoms listed above. Or may not know to inform their provider.
In some cases, diabetic patients may present with difficulty managing their glucose levels due to gastroparesis. An article that NIDDK shared explained the relationship between gastroparesis and blood glucose levels explaining the two-way relationship between blood glucose and stomach emptying. “Some studies suggest that high blood glucose levels increase the risk for gastroparesis. Conversely, gastroparesis may make it difficult for some people with diabetes to manage their blood glucose levels.” 1
They go hand in hand. Blood glucose levels affect stomach function which may cause Gastroparesis. At the same time, it could be more challenging for patients with gastroparesis to manage and control their glucose levels when there is delayed gastric emptying. Since the food is sitting in the stomach for a longer period, the glucose levels are likely affected.
For patients that are struggling with spikes in their glucose levels and managing their blood sugar, could be worth it to test for gastroparesis. Complications with managing diabetes can be catastrophic to patients and their quality of lives, so if gastroparesis is contributing to the complications of controlling glucose it is going to be beneficial for the patient to be tested for gastroparesis and aware of the condition. It will remain a challenge of managing a new lifestyle, but will the proper and full information will help navigate those challenges more effectively.
Diagnosis:
If you suspect, you or your patient may have gastroparesis it will be important to have the proper exam and testing complete to reach a diagnosis and ensure they are receiving proper treatment and help to manage their symptoms and monitor glucose levels much closer.
To diagnose gastroparesis a variety of tests are performed. Gastric Emptying test (scintigraphy, breath tests), Upper GI Endoscopy, and Ultrasound.
Lifestyle Changes/ Challenges:
Treatments for gastroparesis are focused on managing and treating the symptoms over a long period of time. Diabetic Gastroparesis patients will need to work with their healthcare provider to manage their glucose levels with a combination of medications, dietary, and lifestyle.
In some cases additional procedures or possibly surgery could be required in order to prevent complications leading to poor nutrition and maintain quality of life.
Spread the word!
We just wrapped up August, which was Gastroparesis Awareness month and this Month, September is PAD Awareness month! Both conditions are impacting the lives of diabetic patients.
Knowledge is Power. Join Billing Partner Solutions in doing our part to spread the word, ask questions, and get involved to educate ourselves, our patients, and our community, to help preserve the quality of lives.
We are posting a new blog every week to bring you updates relating to medical billing, coding, complete revenue cycle management, and shining light on important topics that relate to the community we serve.
References:
- How Does Gastroparesis Affect People with Diabetes? | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published October 27, 2021. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/how-gastroparesis-affect-people-with-diabetes#:~:text=People%20with%20diabetes%20are%20at
- Gastroparesis Awareness Month – About Gastroparesis. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Published February 26, 2021. Accessed September 1, 2022. https://aboutgastroparesis.org/living-with-gastroparesis/gastroparesis-awareness-month/
- CDC. The Facts, Stats, and Impacts of Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published January 24, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-facts-stats.html#:~:text=Key%20findings%20include%3A
