Diabetic gastroparesis--delayed gastric emptying--is caused by nerve damage that may be related to years of high blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. This problem affects up to 50 percent of diabetics, especially those with type 1 diabetes and individuals who have had type 2 diabetes for 10 years or more. Gastroparesis appears more frequently among women because they have a slower rate of gastric emptying, according to Australian researcher Karen L. Jones, PhD and colleagues. Diabetic gastroparesis can make managing blood sugar levels difficult.
Early Satiety
Early satiety--also known as postprandial fullness--refers to a feeling of fullness after eating and before the stomach actually is full. This symptom is one of the most common among those with gastroparesis. Sometimes even a few spoonfuls of food makes a person with gastroparesis feel full, and eating more food causes an uncomfortable bloated feeling. As a result, many people with gastroparesis lose weight and in the worst case, may develop malnutrition. Some patients have early satiety and gastric emptying delays with both solids and liquids, although problems with solid foods are more common.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feelings of nausea are common among those with diabetic gastroparesis, but vomiting every day is uncommon unless gastroparesis is severe, according to gastroenterologist Michael Camillieri of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota in his article in the "New England Journal of Medicine."
Sometimes the undigested food is not completely regurgitated, and the individual may spit it out or even swallow it again, since it is not acidic as vomit that occurs during flu or other illnesses.
Upper Abdominal Pain
Many people with gastroparesis experience pain in the upper abdomen. The abdominal pain may be very severe and narcotics may be required to obtain relief until the symptoms are treated.
Depression and Anxiety
Symptoms of depression and anxiety are both strongly associated with gastroparesis, according to Michael Camilleri. He added, however, that it is not clear which is cause and which is the effect. This means that anxiety and depression may cause gastroparesis or, alternatively, people with gastroparesis may be more likely to become depressed and anxious because of their symptoms
