People with diabetes may experience stomach pain sign after eating due to a condition called gastroparesis, which is more common in people with diabetes. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects how the stomach empties, and it can be caused by nerve damage from high blood sugar, leading to slowed or non-functioning stomach muscles. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and postprandial fullness. Gastroparesis can also lead to complications in blood sugar control and may cause other digestive issues such as heartburn, reflux, and trouble controlling blood sugar[1].
Many people are quite in the know of the common symptoms of diabetes such as
- urinating often
- feeling very thirsty
- feeling very hungry, even though you are eating
- extreme fatigue
- blurry vision
- cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
- weight loss (type 1)
- dry, itchy skin
- Increased hunger
- unexplained weight loss
- genital itching or thrush
- blurred eyesight
- slow-healing cuts and wounds
- presence of ketones in the urine
- feeling tired and weak and
- feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
But not so many people know that abdominal discomfort after eating is a lesser-known sign of diabetes. When this happens, it could indicate gastroparesis, a complication where food gets stuck in the stomach due to nerve damage caused by fluctuating blood sugar. Here are symptoms of gastroparesis:
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea
- Undigested food in vomit
- Weight loss due to poor food absorption
Tips to manage gastroparesis:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: 4-5 smaller meals are easier to digest than 2-3 large ones.
- Avoid irritants: Limit fatty, fried, and cheesy foods.
- Add fiber: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains aid digestion.
- Skip fizzy drinks: They bloat and cause discomfort.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both worsen stomach issues.
- Control blood sugar levels: Crucial for managing gastroparesis.
Note: Be aware of key diabetes symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, genital itching, blurred vision.
What are the other causes of stomach pain after eating?
Stomach pain after eating can be caused by various factors, including:
- Food Allergy or Intolerance: Food allergies and intolerances can lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea, resulting in stomach pain after eating.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause stomach pain, sickness, vomiting, and indigestion.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD causes the gut to become inflamed and can lead to stomach pain and other symptoms.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux or GERD can cause pain after eating, along with symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and a burning sensation in the throat.
- Overeating or Difficult-to-Digest Foods: Consuming large meals or foods that are difficult to digest can result in stomach pain.
- Infectious Pathogens: Viruses, bacteria, and toxic substances can cause stomach pain after eating.
- Digestive Problems: Indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea can also lead to abdominal pain after eating.
