higher in patients with neuropathy than patients without neuropathy (58.7% vs 32.7%, P < 0.01). The prevalence of heartburn, chest pain and chronic cough are also higher in patients with neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy (43.5% vs 24%; 10.9% vs 4.8% and 17.8% vs 6.7% respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:The prevalence of GERD symptoms in type 2 DM is higher than in the general population. Our data suggest that DM neuropathy may be an important associated factor for developing GERD symptoms. INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is reported to be higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) [1] than the general population. Although not generally considered as important causes of morbidity or mortality in DM patients, these symptoms can influence health related quality of life (HRQOL) and affect productivity and employment status [2,3] . GI symptoms can be encountered in up to 75% of diabetic outpatients evaluated in tertiary care referral centers [4,5] . Many patients with GI disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. The underlying mechanisms of the high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in type 2 DM are poorly defined and controversy exists at the present time. The association of GI symptoms in DM to glycemic control is debated and controversy exists [6,7] . Many of the gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetics suggest motor dysfunction, and a neuropathic basis to those dysfunctions would be a reasonable explanation. A recent study by Bytzer et al suggests that GI symptoms in DM were associated with complications of DM, particularly peripheral neuropathy [6] . Some studies even suggest that gastrointestinal symptoms in Abstract AIM: To analyze the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to find out the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and the prevalence of GERD symptoms. RAPID COMMUNICATION