Functional disturbances of the general gastrointestinal tract in diabetes mellitus

Abstract EN

Background : Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder with significant impact on morbidity and mortality.

The various diabetic complications including GI dysfunction have been widely studied and documented.

Objective : To assess the prevalence of GI symptoms in diabetic patients in Al-Najaf city.

Methods : A prospective case controlled questionnaire-based study surveys the prevalence of symptoms of GI dysfunction in 100 diabetic patients and 70 non-diabetic subjects.

Results : The prevalence of GI symptoms in the diabetic and control subjects was 40 % and 12 % respectively.

The common symptoms were constipation, belching, epigastric pain and diarrhea.

Conclusion : The prevalence of GI symptoms is higher in diabetics than control.

Poor control and longer duration of DM are associated with significant increase in the prevalence of GI symptoms in diabetic patients.