Diabetic Gastroparesis is a serious complication that can result from diabetes and can make the condition worse.
Those who suffer from diabetes can experience diminished nerve functioning which can affect the vagus nerve that controls digestion. As a result, the stomach may not be able to move food to the small intestine efficiently. This leads to irregular digestion which can create fluctuations in glucose levels, exacerbating diabetes.
In some cases, food can get stuck in the stomach and further impede proper digestion. It is important to work closely with a doctor to determine what course of treatment is right for you if you have diabetic gastroparesis. In many cases, diet and medication may solve the problem, and you may need to follow a special regimen. This may involve confining your diet to broths and juices in the beginning and gradually adding foods that are easy to digest. In addition, it is important to monitor glucose levels carefully and control carbohydrate consumption.
It is a good idea to cut out coffee and caffeinated tea as well as red meat that can take some time to digest. Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your system moving, but avoid drinking too much at once, since it can interfere with your appetite.
1. Try a 3-Phase Diet
One of the most effective diets for gastroparesis is a three-phase diet. In the first phase, you will consume mainly fruit juices and broth. Phase two allows you to add noodles or light pasta to your soups and to eat some cheese.
In the third phase, you can eat easy to digest lean meats and fish and some grains. Work closely with your doctor when you are on this diet to find out when it is a good time to go on to the next phase. While you are eating this diet, you will want to cut out starchy vegetables and red meat.
