Upper gastrointestinal sensory-motor dysfunction in diabetes mellitus

World J Gastroenterol. 2006 May 14;12(18):2846-57. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i18.2846.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) sensory-motor abnormalities are common in patients with diabetes mellitus and may involve any part of the GI tract. Abnormalities are frequently sub-clinical, and fortunately only rarely do severe and life-threatening problems occur. The pathogenesis of abnormal upper GI sensory-motor function in diabetes is incompletely understood and is most likely multi-factorial of origin. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy as well as acute suboptimal control of diabetes has been shown to impair GI motor and sensory function. Morphological and biomechanical remodeling of the GI wall develops during the duration of diabetes, and may contribute to motor and sensory dysfunction. In this review sensory and motility disorders of the upper GI tract in diabetes is discussed; and the morphological changes and biomechanical remodeling related to the sensory-motor dysfunction is also addressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Diabetes Complications / etiology
  • Diabetes Complications / pathology
  • Diabetes Complications / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / complications*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / pathology
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / physiopathology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications
  • Hyperglycemia / physiopathology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / innervation*
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / physiopathology*