Diet for management of diabetic gastroparesis:
Individuals with long-standing type 1 and 2 typical diabetes (mellitus) are at risk for diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), or slow emptying of the stomach, which leads to complications such as induction of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (early satiety, abdominal distension, reflux, stomach spasm, postprandial nausea, vomiting), change in drug absorption, and weakening of glycemic control (levels of glucose in the blood). To lessen and/or improve these symptoms and glycemic control small frequent meals, increasing liquid calories, reducing high fat or high fiber intake, consuming bezoar forming foods (such as apples, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, corn, green beans) and tailoring intake of carbohydrates based on medications or insulin is recommended. (Food that is poorly digested can collect in the stomach and form a mass called a bezoar.) However, every patient responds differently to specific foods/supplements and has different needs. Therefore there is no one-size-fits-all dietary plan for DGP. In cases where patients can’t stabilize weight or gain weight from normal oral consumption tube feeding may be an option. (30)