Gastroparesis

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For those who has gastroparesis. Needing more information or just here for support.

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What if I have diabetes and gastroparesis?

The primary treatment goals for gastroparesis related to diabetes are to improve stomach emptying and regain control of blood glucose levels. Treatment includes dietary changes, insulin, oral medications, and, in severe cases, a feeding tube and parenteral nutrition.
Dietary Changes

The doctor will suggest dietary changes such as six smaller meals to help restore your blood glucose to more normal levels before testing you for gastroparesis. In some cases, the doctor or dietitian may suggest you try eating several liquid or pureed meals a day until your blood glucose levels are stable and the symptoms improve. Liquid meals provide all the nutrients found in solid foods, but can pass through the stomach more easily and quickly.
Insulin for Blood Glucose Control

If you have gastroparesis, food is being absorbed more slowly and at unpredictable times. To control blood glucose, you may need to

* take insulin more often or change the type of insulin you take
* take your insulin after you eat instead of before
* check your blood glucose levels frequently after you eat and administer insulin whenever necessary

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for taking insulin based on your particular needs.

Information by the The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

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Comment by Marcia Skidmore on April 30, 2012 at 7:15pm: I don't ever eat red meat. It sits in my stomach like a lead brick forever. I was diagnosed with a 20% digestion rate - I only digest 20% speed compared to a regular tummy. I eat 'soft' = I do well with fish and I always cut tiny my chicken when I go that direction. I was told to go easy on fiber but I find I do ok with veggies and salads where I understand that those can be problematic. Moderation is important. ALSO very important, I never eat more than 300 calories at a time -- small portions, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. A regular size portion twists me in knots. For me, that is more important than what I eat. I am on a Mediterranean diet for a more particular shopping list. I have my list of 'do well' foods (like yogurt). You'll find what works for you -- good luck.

Comment by shoshana27 on April 29, 2012 at 4:15pm: WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE EAT OR NOT EAT?

Comment by Katie on April 29, 2012 at 9:46am: Hi Margaret,
Yes, I just have the dexcom and pacemaker... good to know, thanks for your response!

Comment by Margaret on April 28, 2012 at 5:43pm: Hi Katie,
I have a gastric pacemaker and a Dexcom and also am on the Omnipod pump. I don't have any problems with interference with the Dexcom CGM device. If you are also using a pump though, I heard that you need to have the Dexcom and pump at least 3 inches apart from each other to avoid interference with those 2 devices. If you just have the Dexcom and the gastric pacemaker, it should not be a problem as far as I know.

Comment by Katie on April 25, 2012 at 12:11pm: Does anyone here have a GES (or gastric pacemaker) and a dexcom cgm? I got my GES last November and just went back on the dexcom last night. Is there any interference I should be aware of? I'm getting a lot of error messages and wondering if there is anything I should be aware of... thanks!!

Comment by Natalie ._c- on March 18, 2012 at 1:18pm: I have NOT been diagnosed with gastroparesis, but have, for the last 6-8 months been experiencing symptoms that have some commonality with gastroparesis, so I thought I'd stick my nose in here. I have NO problems with liquids, but if I eat a large meal, I feel full for 12-16 hours after eating, and last time, a couple of days ago, I was nauseated as well. I belch up vile, vomitous flavors, although I have never actually vomited because of it, and my BG starts out low, and then rises about 3 hours after I eat, and if I take insulin, it goes down somewhat, but rises again after 3 hours, and this goes on all night long. I can't lie down while my stomach is full, because I have horrible reflux. So I thought I'd lurk around here, in order to see if I could find out hints to relieve the symptoms.

And, Gerri, I DID try ginger tea (had lemon in it as well, but that was all I could find), and it DID settle my stomach.

So, anyway, I might lurk, or I might ask questions, but thanks for being here!

Comment by Jen on November 6, 2011 at 9:23am: I haven't been dx with gastroparesis, but can someone explain what it is? I seem to have stomach issues like nausea, belching, feeling full even when I haven't eaten anything, and also weird blood sugars. For example, waking up with a sugar in the 300's! Right before bed I checked my sugar and it was 105. An hour and half before bed I had a little bit of cottage cheese and some no sugar added mixed fruit. About 11 carbs for 1/2 a cup.

Comment by Marcia Skidmore on October 20, 2011 at 5:24pm: Question. I have very unpredictable BS because I have very unpredictable digestion. That's a given - DUH. Has anyone tried the dogs that detect lows? I've been wondering if there is something better than testing every time I turn around. Is it worth a look at? Any successes?

Comment by Michelle Forsman on October 20, 2011 at 2:48pm: Kelly, I have never bolused for proteins and fats in my 17 years of pumping. This is the first I have heard of it. I would definitely have more insulin reactions if I added any more insulin in my meal boluses. Has the ADA changed to that recommendation as well? I have always just bolused for carb minus fiber allowance.

I, too, have autonomic neuropathy. That's what diabetic gastroparesis is unless they have changed that in very recent years. Having my BG goal at 120 and running 6.0-6.4 a1C's does not inflame my gastroparesis. But trying to keep it around 120 does allow me more time until it drops into the critical levels. Since I check my blood sugar 10 times a day minimum, that 120 level gives me more opportunity to catch the drop with a regular glucose check. I guess I don't have complete hypo unawareness. I just don't get any symptoms until I am in my low 20's. If I kept my BGs around 80 with a1C's in the 5's, I would have to check hourly.