Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Type 1 Diabetic Patients, as Compared to a General Population

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes as compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Method: 395 patients with type 1 diabetes, registered at the diabetes outpatient unit at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, were studied by use of a GI symptom questionnaire. They were randomly selected within 10-year age intervals from 20 to 69 years. Age- and sex-matched controls (n = 242) were sampled from a cohort recruited from the general population. Results: While the study populations were well matched with regard to age, sex and body mass index (BMI), the diabetic population comprised more smokers and reported symptoms of respiratory and ischemic heart disease more frequently. Symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea and vomiting were significantly more frequent and intense in the diabetic cohort. The occurrence of GI symptoms co-varied with the presence of respiratory and cardiac symptoms but was not predicted by age, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels or the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes type 1 had more frequent and intense upper and lower GI symptoms than age- and sex-matched controls, especially if only moderate and severe symptoms were considered. The presence of symptoms was related to lifestyle factors but not to the degree of diabetes control as expressed by the level of HbA1c and the presence of peripheral neuropathy.

Tricyclic Antidepressants for Chronic Vomiting in Diabetic Patients

“…In an Olmstead County community survey, however, no differences in the rates for nausea or vomiting could be detected in either type 1 or type 2 diabetic patients compared to the nondiabetic residents [26]-raising questions regarding the pathogenetic significance of diabetes toward the symptoms. A recent study of nearly 400 type 1 diabetic patients did find a mild increase in upper GI symptoms in the diabetic group compared with nondiabetic subjects, especially symptoms of higher intensity [27]. Symptoms were not predicted by degree of glycemic control nor presence of peripheral neuropathy in these type 1 subjects who have more difficulty with diabetes management and more neuropathic complications than type 2 patients.…”

Dyspeptic symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes: endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori infection, and associations with metabolic control, mood disorders and nutritional factors

“…R ecent studies indicate that the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) is greater than that observed in the overall population (1)(2)(3). It was also demonstrated that this clinical picture has a negative impact in the quality of life of these patients (4).…”

“…Studies that investigated the relationship between digestive symptoms and Helicobacter pylori infection (8), glycemic control (1,9), and abnormal autonomic function (5) in diabetes also showed contradictory results. Besides, no direct relationship was demonstrated between diabetic gastroparesis and specific digestive symptoms (10,11).…”

Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal and nitrergic neurons in normal and diabetic human appendix

“…The symptom profile of diabetic gastroenteropathy includes nausea, vomiting, early satiety, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms may occur alone or in combination 6 . The diverse nature of the symptoms suggests a multifactorial cause for diabetic gastroenteropathy.…”