GI symptoms in diabetes mellitus are associated with both poor glycemic control and diabetic complications.
OBJECTIVE
Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased prevalence of GI symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying symptoms are poorly defined and controversial. We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between GI symptoms and both diabetic complications and glycemic control.


METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 1101 subjects with diabetes mellitus recruited from outpatient clinics (n = 209) and the community (n = 892). Data on eight GI symptom groups, complications of diabetes (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy), and self-reported glycemic control were obtained from a validated questionnaire. Glycated hemoglobin was measured in 463 of the subjects, The association between diabetic complications, glycemic control, and GI symptoms was assessed using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.


RESULTS
Of the 1101 subjects, 57% reported at least one complication. Diabetic complications were independently associated with both symptom complexity (number of symptom groups reported) (adjusted odds ratio = 1.92 per symptom group [95% CI = 1.51-2.45]) and seven of the eight GI symptom groups. For all symptom groups, the association was explained by self-reported symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Poor glycemic control measured by both self-report and Hb A1c was an independent risk factor for upper GI symptoms, whereas other potential risk indicators, including duration and type of diabetes, were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
GI symptoms in diabetes mellitus may be linked to diabetic complications, particularly peripheral neuropathy, and to poor glycemic control.
Bytzer
Peter
P
Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Talley
Nicholas J
NJ
Hammer
Johann
J
Young
Lisa J
LJ
Jones
Michael P
MP
Horowitz
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin