Diabetics Have an Increased Risk of Acid Reflux Symptoms

Several US researchers have found that people with Type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD symptoms, especially if they have nerve cell damage (neuropathy) caused by high blood-sugar levels.

Published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, Dr Xiangbing Wang, from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and his team explain that gastrointestinal problems "can influence health-related quality of life and affect productivity and employment status".

The team found that, overall, 40% of the diabetic patients reported that they regularly suffered from at least one symptom of acid reflux disease, with 30% experiencing heartburn at least once a week.

Further analysis revealed that the prevalence of reflux symptoms was even higher in diabetics with neuropathy. 59% of these patients suffered from regular reflux symptoms compared with just 33% of those without neuropathy.

Dr Wang and his team concluded that the overall prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in diabetics is 40.7%, greater than in general population (14%)."

They add: "Diabetes mellitus neuropathy is an important associated factor for developing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Appropriate therapy including dietary manipulation and pharmacological [drug] therapy should be given to [diabetic] patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms to improve health-related quality of life."

Full text of this study.

Related Resources:

• Diabetes mellitus neuropathy
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Gastroparesis