Factors Associated With Delayed Gastric Emptying in Symptomatic Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background Gastroparesis, characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, is a significant complication, especially in diabetic individuals. It manifests through symptoms such as abdominal bloating, feelings of fullness, and pain. This study investigates the prevalence of gastroparesis among non-diabetic and diabetic patients, exploring associations with demographic data, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, and symptoms. Methodology This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients with gastroparesis symptoms who underwent a nuclear gastric emptying study from January 2021 to April 2023. The study analyzed demographic data, symptoms, and HbA1c levels to identify correlations with delayed gastric emptying. Results Of 157 patients, 34.4% exhibited delayed gastric emptying. Diabetic patients comprised 29.3% of the sample, with a notable disease duration of over 10 years in 77.3% of cases. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and early satiety were prevalent, with significant associations between delayed emptying and female gender, higher HbA1c, and vomiting. Conclusions Delayed gastric emptying is significantly associated with female gender, elevated HbA1c levels, and when vomiting is the presenting symptom. Highlighting the importance of awareness among healthcare providers and the community, the findings encourage collaborative efforts for further gastroparesis research to better understand the predictive factors and mechanisms.