Why are diabetics susceptible?

Microvascular Injury. High levels of blood glucose elicit a chemical change in the blood vessels that causes membranes in the capillaries to thicken. This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can pass through them.  Vascular health and nerve function seem to be closely correlated.

Advanced Glycated end products. High levels of blood sugar bond with these proteins, rendering them dysfunctional.

Protein Kinase C. (PKC) Increased levels of glucose cause an increase in another substance called intracellular diacylglycerol that in turn activates PKC. PKC has been shown to influence nerve conduction velocity in animal models.

Polyol Pathway. This reactions involves the production of free oxygen radicals: highly reactive molecules that are destructive to body tissue

Elevated pressure in the Pylorus (the junction between the stomach and the duodenum) has also been implicated in the development of diabetic gastroparesis, although more research is needed to substantiate this claim.  

Diabetic Gastroparesis

Treatments

Complications

Additional Resources