Gastroparesis is a serious condition that may be the result of diabetes and can make the condition worse. In addition to other complications resulting from diabetes, nerve damage is one long-term effect. The vagus nerve which regulates digestion and stomach functioning can be adversely affected by diabetes. If the vagus nerve is damaged, it may lead to irregular digestion and the inability to effectively push food from the stomach to the small intestine.
A number of symptoms can develop from gastroparesis, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting, poor appetite and bloating. Some people may pass these symptoms off as the result of something they ate, but if they persist, it is essential to see a doctor. A buildup of food mass in the stomach can block digestion and can even lead to a fatal condition.
Part of the test for gastroparesis may involve drinking or eating something with barium in it. The barium will coat the esophagus and stomach and will show up on an X-ray to help the doctor spot the source of the problem. In addition, the doctor may be able to see if your meal is still in your stomach after 90 minutes, and can determine if you have gastroparesis. Here are some symptoms of gastroparesis.
1. Nausea
Because gastroparesis affects the movement of food through the stomach and proper emptying of its contents, nausea can result from this condition. Any type of stomach malfunctioning can lead to a queasy feeling in the stomach, and the fact that this condition affects the vagus nerve leads to irregularity of stomach functioning.
If you find that your nausea does not go away and is paired with other symptoms, you may want to get tested to see if you have gastroparesis. If nausea develops into daily vomiting, this is a particularly serious cause for concern.
