Is there any connection between diabetes and chronic nausea?
my g/f has diabetes type 2 and has spells of vomiting all the time. her dr. said its a condition of type 2 where a major nerve in the stomach is damaged preventing proper digestion. has anyone else dealt with this? have any suggestions? could it also be something else?
Answer:
Yes, this is called Gastroparesis. It is a diabetic complication in which the autonomic nervous system becomes damaged, specifically the nerves that control the contractions of the stomach.
It is very hard to treat. There is a test called a "gastric emptying study" that can be done to confirm the diagnosis. If this is what she has, there is a drug called Reglan to treat it. There is also an experimental procedure done in the US that involves a gastric pacemaker. This helps control the nerve impulses in the stomach, just like a cardiac pacemaker regulates the nerve impulses for the heart. There are also newer drugs being developed or tested for this condition.
Have her eat small meals with NOT a lot of fibre or fat, both which slow digestion.
She can also use Glucerna or Ensure liquid meal drinks if she is having trouble eating enough calories.
If her case is severe, the doctor may put her on IV nutrients or a feeding tube for a short period. Usually this condition improves over time on its own, but may remain chronic.
Tight control of her blood sugars will help.
There are other causes of her symptoms, but gastroparesis seems likely. Make sure her blood sugar is not too low or high when she has these symptoms. That can also be a cause.
I have not heard of this
I was told the same thing when I had an episode of projectile vomiting. I take a prescription called Promethiazine for nausea. I ended up with some erosion in my esophagus so I take Nexium too. Best of luck to you both!! Merry Christmas!!