What are the gastroenterological complications associated with diabetes?
- Diabetic complications related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system include constipation, heartburn (i.e., gastroesophageal reflux), delayed gastric emptying (i.e., gastroparesis), dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea (i.e., diabetic enteropathy).
- Development of these symptoms is associated with longer duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, and autonomic neuropathy of the enteric nervous system.
- Erratic absorption of food and wide blood sugar fluctuations are noted with gastroparesis and diabetic enteropathy.
- Bacterial overgrowth and celiac disease can also contribute to the development of diarrhea in these patients.
- Celiac disease is typically associated with autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes.
- Diabetics are also at increased risk of certain types of cancers involving the GI system (i.e., liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum).
